Delivering Testimony to DEC on Hydrofracking
In September, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released their revised draft environmental impact study (RDSGEIS), which recommended lifting the current ban on hydrofracking to allow limited drilling in the Marcellus Shale Region of New York State. Along with the release of the study, the DEC announced public hearings were to be held throughout the State to give the public an opportunity to comment.
New York City's hearing was held on November 30th at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. I provided testimony in opposition to hydrofracking due to the risks it poses to the New York City Watershed. The Watershed is the largest unfiltered drinking water supply in the nation, providing 1.3 billion gallons of affordable, high-quality drinking water daily to more than 9 million consumers in New York City - half the population of the entire state of New York. The DEC failed explore any precautions to ensure chemicals do not leak into the watershed. Until more in-depth and conclusive studies are completed on the environmental impact, I will continue to oppose any move to allow natural gas drilling in New York State. If you were not able to attend the hearing, but would still like to submit comments, the DEC's public comment period has been extended to January 11, 2012.
To read and comment on the RDSGEIS click here .
Micah Kellner