The Senate Environmental Conservation Committee recently held a roundtable discussion regarding drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale.  When announcing the roundtable, Chairman Antione Thompson stated that “we must sensibly examine the issues surrounding gas drilling in Marcellus Shale and the impact that it might have on New York’s economy and environment before making a determination”. Thompson prefers the roundtable format so that there can be an exchange of ideas and the possibility of reaching some common ground.  He said that it is important that we protect water and the environment and also was anxious to hear the farmers’ perspective.  He is concerned that landowners are not being taken advantage of by energy companies.  Also present were Sen.Bill Perkins and Assembly members Steven Englebright, Donna Lupardo, and Aileen Gunther.

Those opposing drilling ranged from NYC environmental advocates opposing drilling in the NYC watershed to those calling for a ban on hydrofracking in the state altogether.  Others called for additional time to study the sGEIS which they almost unanimously found inadequate.  Many cited anecdotal examples of drilling in other states where environmental problems occurred.  They are afraid that the landscape will be ruined despite the fact that by drilling horizontally the impact to the environment is greatly reduced.  Many wells can be drilled from one well pad instead of blemishing the landscape with many different rigs.

Chesapeake’s Dave Spigelmyer said that the Marcellus Shale is a game-changer.  New York currently imports 94% of the natural gas used in the state.  Eliminating costs associated with transporting the gas from southern states to New York could produce savings that may be passed on to consumers. He also said that while Chesapeake does not intend to develop the NYC watershed they do not support legislation banning drilling in that area.  Spigelmyer said that Chesapeake made a business decision not to drill in the watershed but believes that drilling in the watershed can be done safely.  He also stated that a moratorium on drilling on state lands as suggested by Assemblyman Englebright is not warranted stating that Chesapeake and other drilling companies set a very high environmental bar.  He invited leaders to come out and visit drill sites.

With respect to chemicals used in the fracking fluid, a Haliburton spokesperson stated that the company tries to use chemistry that has the cleanest environmental footprint and its scientists are constantly working to improve the technology. 

Fortuna’s Rick Kessy stated that drilling can be done in harmony with the farming community.  Jean Nuebeck, a hydrologist with LPH Environmental Consulting, also suggested that leaders visit drill sites and stated that there is risk in everything, including drilling, but we have sophisticated technology to mitigate the rare problems.

Common ground is difficult to find at this point in the debate.  Consensus may be close regarding the storage of flowback water in steel containers and also on the issue of staffing at the Department of Environmental Conservation.  The fact and science and strong industry track record in New York should quiet the opposition’s fears but that doesn’t always seem to be the case.  There are those with an agenda who don’t want to be confused by the facts.

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Jennifer Levine has been invited by The Business Council to be a guest contributing author to the Capital Business Blog to enhance our readers understanding of the Marcellus shale issue and the job creating opportunities that surround it.

Jennifer Levine, recently worked at the New York State Assembly for a member whose district includes five counties in the Marcellus play where she gained exposure to this issue. Previously, she worked in government relations for MCI Communications in Washington, D.C. Jennifer can be reached at jklevine@nycap.rr.com