Hundreds Protest Fracking at New York Capital

Cross Posted from: The Associated Press

Fracking opponents protest legislative budget hearing Monday, February 4th, 2013.

 

ALBANY — The state Department of Environmental Conservation has no projected date for finishing shale gas drilling rules, with completion dependent on recommendations from a health impact review, Commissioner Joe Martens said at a legislative budget hearing Monday.

“We do not have a timetable,” Martens said when Sen. Tony Avella asked him when the 4 ½-year-old environmental impact review and related regulations will be completed. He said he expects to get a report from Health Commissioner Nirav Shah in “a few weeks.”

If Shah recommends additional measures in the regulations, Martens said it will be difficult to meet a key deadline.

If regulations aren’t finalized by Feb. 27, they’ll expire and will have to be put out for public comment again, which would likely extend the drilling moratorium by months. Martens acknowledged that to meet the Feb. 27 deadline, the massive environmental impact review on which the regulations are based must be published by Feb. 13.

Governor to open Fracking in New York?

Blockade at Schlumberger last month in NY

Message from No Fracking Action Media: We know this is short notice! We also know that we need to be ready for quick action to protect our lives and homes!

It was recently reported that Governor Cuomo would announce the opening of NY state to active drilling “soon”, despite the insistence of residents that we do not want the gas industry fracturing our communities!

On September 4th, 2012 we challenge you to create the most creative direct action response you can with the people you have and supplies you can rustle up. Tell the gas industry and elected officials like Governor Cuomo, “WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET YOU DO THIS!