The New York State Senate voted overwhelmingly in support of a bill (S 8129) to continue a drilling ban in the Marcellus Shale until next spring. The current drilling moratorium has been in place for over two years allowing the DEC to take its time to craft comprehensive regulations on hydrofracking and horizontal drilling which are expected to be released this fall. According to the bill summary for S 8129, “delaying the DEC’s ability to issue permits until May 15, 2011 will provide the Legislature additional time to assess the true environmental impacts of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.” Hasn’t the DEC been doing this for the past two years? The DEC is made up of experts in geology, petroleum engineering, hydrology and the like. The 800 page sGEIS is an enormously comprehensive document which provides detailed regulations that must be followed in New York State. It is argued that these additional regulations will be the toughest in the country.

With all due respect to the experience and knowledge of members of the New York State Legislature, isn’t it best to let the experts in the field determine the regulations? Section 6 of the sGEIS already thoroughly outlines the environmental impacts of drilling in the Marcellus Shale and section 7 outlines mitigation measures to address these impacts. New York has an excellent drilling record and the additional regulations in the sGEIS will only make drilling safer.

It is in the best interest of the citizens of New York State for the Legislature to let DEC to do its job and develop drilling regulations that will allow safe, clean development of the Marcellus Shale. We have a rare opportunity to develop an enormous homegrown resource that will revitalize upstate communities and provide well paying, long-term jobs to New Yorkers. Extending the drilling moratorium further will jeopardize investment and opportunities in New York.