fracking

Gannett Reporter Jon Campbell On Key Fracking Ruling

Ian Pickus — Sat, 04 May 2013 16:35:00 +0000

A key court ruling this week could have far-reaching effects for the future of hydrofracking in New York. WAMC’s Ian Pickus spoke with Gannett capitol reporter Jon Campbell for the latest.

Controversy Causes Fracking Consultant to Resign from Industry Lobby Group

Karen Dewitt — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:42:31 +0000

Opponents of hydro fracking are charging there’s a potential conflict of interest with a consultant to Governor Cuomo’s environmental agency. They are asking that the years-long review of fracking in New York be restarted. The controversy caused the consultant in question to sever all ties with a gas industry lobby group.

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.”

NY Town Board Rescinds Ban on Fracking Talk

Allison Dunne — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:17:04 +0000

A town in New York’s Southern Tier has rescinded a gag order on public discussion of fracking during town board meetings. Two groups had sued the town, alleging violation of First Amendment rights. The Town Board denies liability.

New York State Still Awaiting Fracking Decision

Karen Dewitt — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:41:25 +0000

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s health commissioner is expected to release a health report on hydraulic fracturing soon, at least according to a timetable announced in late February. But the Cuomo Administration has already missed several deadlines on fracking.

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.

Gas trade group seeks ethics probe of celebrity anti-fracking group

Associated Press — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:17:11 +0000

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A formal complaint filed with New York's lobbying board asks it to investigate whether Artists Against Fracking, a group formed by Yoko Ono and son Sean Lennon, is violating the state's lobbying law.

New York State Assemblyman Phil Steck - Fracking, green jobs, and the budget

Patrick Donges — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Last week the New York State Assembly voted to impose a statewide moratorium on the controversial natural gas extraction process known as hydrofracking, following reports that Governor Andrew Cuomo was considering lifting the current ban on the practice now in place.

WAMC’s Patrick Donges spoke recently with New York State Assemblyman Phil Steck, Democrat of the 110th district, which includes Colonie, Niskayuna and part of Schenectady. Steck voted for the fracking moratorium, despite his district not being targeted for natural gas development.

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