It was reported in the Daily News last week that GOP gubernatorial hopeful Steve Levy supports development of the natural gas resources in the Marcellus Shale.

“The Department of Environmental Conservation should allow the process to move forward,” Levy said in a press release. “New York already has the highest environmental standards in the nation. There is no doubt that we can promote exploration while safeguarding our environment and water supply.”

“New Yorkers look to their Pennsylvania neighbors and see a burst of drilling activity and they wonder why we can’t do the same here. Especially when the state is trying to close a massive deficit and promote job growth in a region that has been hurt badly by a lagging economy. “Unfortunately, right now the American gas drilling boom has been blocked at the New York border.”

Development of the Marcellus Shale is a critical issue in New York State. Bringing this issue into the campaign to be discussed and debated is an opportunity for advocates of natural gas drilling in New York to raise awareness and educate the public about the facts and science of drilling. For too long the environmental obstructionists have been allowed to misinform the citizens of New York. Safe, responsible development of the Marcellus Shale will allow New York to harvest its homegrown natural gas resource while meeting the national energy and national security objectives of domestic production and reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources and producing thousands of skilled, well-paying jobs. This is a win-win for New York and it’s great to see Mr. Levy on board.

To read Levy’s interview in the Auburn Citizen click here.