Jon Campbell writes in stargazette.com that five of the six local Assembly members from districts impacted by Marcellus drilling would oppose moratorium legislation. Assemblymen Crouch, Finch Bacalles, O’mara and Assemblywoman Lupardo all oppose the bill that passed in the Senate early in August. Assemblywoman Lifton supports the bill and has also co-sponsored a stronger bill that would impose a longer moratorium coinciding with the release of the EPA report not expected until at least 2012. If the bill comes to the Assembly floor it appears that it has the votes to pass, however it remains uncertain whether it will be brought to the floor for a vote when the Assembly returns in September.

These five members of the Assembly understand that development of the Marcellus Shale will bring much needed economic development to their districts. They have confidence that the DEC’s regulations which are expected sometime this fall will protect the environment while allowing for safe, responsible drilling.

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