Fracking Ban Finalized in New York State

Statement from Liz Moran, Water and Natural Resources Associate, Environmental Advocates of New York

“Because of massive citizen engagement, New York approached this decision with a thoughtfulness other states failed to employ. And because of that, it will withstand industry attacks.

New York’s fracking ban is based on the simple understanding that if it had proceeded, some of us would get sick as a result.

While industry is accustomed to getting its way, there is no way around the fact that science proves public health cannot be protected where fracking occurs. 

Environmental Advocates is particularly pleased that just days after the release of the State Energy Plan which sets aggressive carbon reduction and clean energy use benchmarks, this ban also acknowledges that an increased reliance on natural gas development delays our move to clean, renewable sources.

We cannot fight climate change until we move away from the dirty fossil fuels of the past, and ramp up production and consumption of solar and wind power.

This is a very big step forward, and the only major obstacle that remains is also banning out-of-state fracking waste from being dumped in our state.  We applaud the Cuomo administration for keeping their promise and prioritizing public health over industry greed. It sends a message to every single person who took time out of their lives, that their voice was heard. Above all else, we congratulate those advocates today!”