hydrofracking

Fracking Overshadows Other Issues On Earth Day

Karen Dewitt — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:06:00 +0000

On Earth Day lobby day at the capitol, whether or not to allow hydrofracking in New York continues to be the dominant issue.

The Senate and Assembly Environmental Committee Chairs both take a dim view of the controversial gas drilling process, but they differ over what’s the next step.

Assembly Environmental Chair Bob Sweeney believes in a clearly legislated moratorium. In fact, the Assembly has already passed one.

“I think it is pretty clear that this is a bad deal not only environmentally,” said Sweeney. “But it’s a bad deal economically too.”

Environmental reporter Michael Behar on fracking and earthquakes

Ian Pickus — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:48:37 +0000

One of the most contentious areas of debate over the expansion of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas concerns a spike in seismic activity in unlikely areas that have begun fracking nearby. Some alarmed scientists say containment wells are putting undue pressure on faults deep underground. But industry interests disagree – that is, when they say anything at all.

NY appeals court to consider local fracking

Jaired Crofut — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:30:25 +0000

Towns that want to control land use through zoning against the drilling industry are being pitted against landowners who say state law trumps local authority.

Arguments are scheduled today in a state appeals court in two cases over who should control oil and gas development.

Celeb fracking group not registered

Jaired Crofut — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:29:34 +0000

Celebrities belonging to the group Artists Against Fracking are using star power to gain attention, but they may be running afoul of it.

The group created last year stages events with stars opposed to drilling for natural gas in upstate New York hydraulic fracturing.

It says forcing water and chemicals into underground rock to extract gas threatens drinking water and the environment.

But a search of the state lobbying board's online records show the group and nearly 200 entertainers who are gaining attention and support aren't registered lobbyists.

Two-year fracking ban passed by Assembly seen as possible turning point

Karen DeWitt — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 23:11:00 +0000

The New York State Assembly has approved, by a 95 to 40 vote, a two-year moratorium on hydrofracking in New York. While it’s unlikely to be passed in the Senate, the action reflects state lawmakers’ growing worries about potential health impacts from the natural gas drilling process. Capitol Correspondent Karen DeWitt reports.

Two-year fracking ban passed by Assembly seen as possible turning point

Karen DeWitt — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:36:17 +0000

NY lawmakers want public input on fracking review

Dave Lucas — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:59:00 +0000

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A coalition of 65 state lawmakers is asking Governor Andrew Cuomo to release the Department of Environmental Conservation's review of potential health impacts of shale gas drilling for public comment before deciding whether to allow drilling to begin.

The group headed by Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton sent a letter to Cuomo on Tuesday. They said the Health Department's evaluation of DEC's "health impact analysis" should be transparent, but the public hasn't been given any information about it. It's expected to be complete within a few weeks.

Al Gore : Cuomo has "tough decision" to make on fracking

Joe Donahue — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:24:02 +0000

Hydrofracking remains a controversial topic across the country, and perhaps no more so in New York, where state environmental and health officials are still determining if fracking can be done safely.

Yesterday, during a joint legislative hearing on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposed executive budget, Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens was peppered with questions from legislators about the administration’s fracking plans.

WAMC’s Joe Donohue spoke with former Vice President Al Gore and asked how he would advise Cuomo on the issue.

Influential Assemblyman Gottfried questions fracking health report

Alan Chartock — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:55:29 +0000

New York state Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, the powerful Democrat who chairs the Health Committee, says he has questions about the state's health impact study as Governor Andrew Cuomo decides on the future of hydrofracking. Gottfried spoke on WAMC's Capitol Connection program.

NY Activists' pre-SOS Rally: 'Ban Fracking Now!'

Dave Lucas — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:04:37 +0000

More than a thousand protesters chanting "Ban Fracking Now!" crowded into Albany's Empire State Plaza concourse where lawmakers had to pass on their way to Governor Andrew Cuomo's State of the State speech. Capital Region Bureau Chief Dave Lucas was there and files this report.