In remarks made during an Earth Day event, DEC Commissioner Grannis stated that natural gas drilling involving horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing will likely not begin until spring or summer of 2011. The DEC is in the process of reviewing almost 14,000 comments and formalizing final regulations on the drilling practice. These final regulations are loosely scheduled to be released in the late summer/early fall of 2010.

Rather than become frustrated by the delay, the industry should use this time to its advantage. Here is an opportunity for drilling and development advocates to go on the offensive and step up efforts to educate leaders and the citizens of New York about the benefits of Marcellus Shale development. For too long we have sat on the sidelines and allowed the lies and misinformation to go largely unchallenged until they are repeated so often they are perceived as reality. Today’s Times Union editorial (4/22/10) is a perfect example of how the industry is continually portrayed as reckless and environmentally oblivious. While the TU acknowledges that the well contamination in Dimock, PA did not result from hydraulic fracturing as confirmed by the Pennsylvania DEP, they continue to portray the industry as profit-driven scavengers, while the editorial ignores the benefits that natural gas development will bring to the state. Energy companies will profit from development of the Marcellus Shale, but so will landowners, many counties and the entire state. New Yorkers need to know that it is possible to strike a balance between drilling for natural gas and protecting the environment.

This lull is an opportunity to inform leaders in Albany and around the state about the economic benefits that will result from development of the Marcellus Shale. Drilling opponents will continue to spread misinformation. Now is the time for us to go on the offensive so that when the sGEIS is finalized we will have won the hearts and minds of New Yorkers.