The Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York and the Business Council of New York State Inc.,  have joined with a coalition of business and economic development groups to appeal to the New York State Legislature to oppose legislation to establish a statutory moratorium on gas drilling in New York.

The press release issued yesterday stated that “thirty-three groups, including chambers of commerce and other pro-business and pro-taxpayer groups, implored lawmakers to allow the State Department of Environmental Conservation to complete its review of the environmental impact statement governing natural gas exploration.”

“We need your support for this compelling economic development opportunity, one that could benefit the State and localities significantly for years to come,” the groups wrote. “We believe that the way forward to the safe development of the Marcellus Shale is now clear. We should embrace our state’s ability to bring New York-produced gas to New York customers, and by so doing create new opportunity and prosperity in our own state.”

“One bill, A.10490-A (Englebright)/ S.7592-A (Addabbo), would impose a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing until 120 days after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency completes yet another study on the technique. Another bill, S.8129-B (Thompson)/ A.11443-B (Sweeney) would block all permits for horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale until at least May 15, 2011.”

To read the press release click here.