Addabbo Joins Effort to Suspend Issuance of Hydrofracking Permits

Senator Deeply Concerned About "Fracking's" Impact on Environment and Public Health

Queens, NY - In an effort to ensure that the State Legislature and other interested parties receive all of the information they need to determine the ultimate pros and cons of hydraulic fracturing, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) has given his support to legislation (S.6261) that would suspend the issuance of new permits for this form of natural gas drilling in New York State until June 2013.

“Like many, many others, I am deeply concerned about the potential negative impact of ‘hydrofracking’ on New York’s environment, water supply, and public health,” said Addabbo, who has long expressed reservations about the controversial process.

“Yes, we need to reduce our reliance on foreign oil, but at what cost to current and future generations? We need to know everything there is to know about hydraulic fracturing before we make any irreversible decisions on whether to go forward with this kind of suspect gas extraction.”

As a co-sponsor of this new bipartisan bill, Addabbo expects that the suspension of permits for hydraulic fracturing until next year will enable the Legislature to evaluate the true environmental impacts of the drilling, and will also provide adequate time for review of the Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DSGEIS) on hydrofracking to be produced by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). 

“Enacting a moratorium on new hydrofracking permits is simply a wise step to prevent New York State from rushing heedlessly into a process that could have highly damaging effects on our environment and our lives here in New York State,” said the Senator.

“Let’s allow some time to digest and evaluate the information on fracking before we take any kind of action that could very well compromise our overall water supply. We shouldn’t ‘frack’ without the facts.”

The legislation is now under consideration by the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation.

Photo courtesy of the following website: http://www.dcbureau.org.

'I Still Believe That the Process to Extract Natural Gas is Flawed'

Senator Addabbo Urges Governor Cuomo, DEC, and Elected Officials to Consider Dangers of "Fracking"

Queens, NY – New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) released the following statement in support of today's City Hall rally calling for a ban on hydrofracking in New York State:

Now that the comment period has ended with regard to the proposed regulations that would govern the permit process for natural gas drilling upstate, the larger task begins with the DEC review of over 40,000 remarks and observations  from individuals who are concerned with protecting the quality of our drinking water. I am hopeful that the DEC and Governor Cuomo hear the fears and anxiety of people across this state when it comes to the issue of hydrofracking.

In the comments I submitted this past November, I stated,”While I am not opposed to other processes of drilling for natural gas, I am concerned for the mixture of chemicals being used to extract this gas from rock formations using the hydrofracking method. I do not want nitrilopropionamide glycol ethers, butoxyethanol, isothiazolin, hemicellulase enzyme, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, alphatic acid isopropanol, alphatic alcohol polyglycol ether isopropyl alcohol, ammonia persulfate magnesium nitrate, aromatic hydrocarbon mesh sand, aromatic ketones methanol, boric acid mineral spirits, boric oxide monoethanolamine, citric acid petroleum distillates, cristobalite polyethoxylated alkanol, quartz polyethoxylated alkanol, dazomet polyethylene glycol mixture, diatomaceus earth polysaccharide, ethane-diol potassium hydroxide, ethoxylated alcohol, ethoxylated alcohol propan, ethoxylated octylphenol propargyl alcohol, ethylene glycol propylene, ethylhexanol sodium bicarbonate, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate sodium chloride, formaldehyde sodium hydroxide, glutaraldehyde sucrose, tetramethylammonium chloride--or any of the other foreign items found in hydrofracking--anywhere near our state’s water supply.”

I still believe that the process to extract natural gas is flawed and requires extensive guidance from the DEC and from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I perceive that the concept to drill as soon as possible in New York State is being done in haste, when protests and valid testimony were presented and submitted. Natural gas drilling companies and supporters of this practice have so much to gain from enlisting further input from protestors and impacted individuals from neighboring states, where evaluations of methods and testimony can produce alternative environmentally sound drilling techniques.

Our state cannot seek to create upstate jobs while at the same time create a long-term, harmful condition for people throughout the state.

I respectfully request that Governor Cuomo, the DEC, and elected officials listen and pay attention to the adverse risks known to be present in the hydraulic fracturing techniques.  Unless the process is addressed in a way where our water supply is, with absolute certainty, not susceptible to contamination, that our land is free from toxic chemicals, and our quality of life is not disrupted from frivolous neglectful actions, even then I would wholeheartedly urge the state to proceed with caution.  I believe that if any doubt exists as to the safety of the hydrofracking process, we should not proceed to issue any permits.

Addabbo: 'I Respectfully Request That Governor Cuomo, DEC and Elected Officials Listen and Pay Attention'

New York State Senator Gravely Concerned About Hydraulic Fracturing

Queens, NY -- With our state on the cusp of venturing into uncharted territory with a natural gas drilling technique known as high-volume hydraulic fracturing – also commonly referred to as “hydrofracking” – Governor Andrew Cuomo, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and elected officials need to be well-versed and prepared for the serious ramifications our environment may encounter, and possible changes to our way of life, should hydrofracking fluids contaminate our water supply.

I applaud the DEC’s efforts to host and consider testimony through public hearings in reference to the significant issue of hydrofracking.

Unfortunately, my schedule does not permit me to physically be at the hearings, but I eagerly submit this statement to testify against the process of drilling for natural gas through hydrofracking methods. While I am not opposed to other processes of drilling for natural gas, I am concerned about the mixture of chemicals being used to extract this gas from rock formations using the hydrofracking method.

I do not want Nitrilopropionamide Glycol Ethers, Butoxyethanol, Isothiazolin, Hemicellulase Enzyme, Hydrochloric Acid, Acetic Acid, Alphatic Acid Isopropanol, Alphatic Alcohol Polyglycol Ether Isopropyl Alcohol, Ammonia Persulfate Magnesium Nitrate, Aromatic Hydrocarbon Mesh Sand, Aromatic Ketones Methanol, Boric Acid Mineral Spirits, Boric Oxide Monoethanolamine, Citric Acid Petroleum Distillates, Cristobalite Polyethoxylated Alkanol, Quartz Polyethoxylated Alkanol, Dazomet Polyethylene Glycol Mixture, Diatomaceus Earth Polysaccharide, Ethane-diol Potassium Hydroxide, Ethoxlated Alcohol, Ethoxylated Alcohol Propan, Ethoxylated Octylphenol Propargyl Alcohol, Ethylene Glycol Propylene, Ethylhexanol Sodium Bicarbonate, Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate Sodium Chloride, Formaldehyde Sodium Hydroxide, Glutaraldehyde Sucrose, Tetramethylammonium Chloride, or any of the other foreign items found in hydrofracking anywhere near our state’s water supply.

The interchangeable mix of water, sand and hazardous chemicals being used to break up the rock base can contaminate our water supply, a supply that encompasses more than 15 billion gallons of daily water taken from New York State’s lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries and groundwaters.

As evident in neighboring states, the process to extract natural gas is flawed and requires extensive guidance from the DEC and from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I perceive the concept to drill as soon as possible in New York State is being done in haste when protests and valid testimony are being presented on a daily basis.

Natural gas drilling companies and supporters of this practice have so much to gain from enlisting further input from protestors and impacted individuals from neighboring states where evaluations of methods and testimony can produce alternative environmentally sound drilling techniques.

I have taken instrumental steps at the New York State Senate to advocate for legislation that would allow for New York State to issue permits to natural gas drilling companies only after the EPA has released their comments and guidelines regarding such drilling activity.

In addition, should the State venture on commencing drilling prior to the EPA report, I had introduced legislation where radioactivity in drilling waste would need to be treated before being accepted or discharged by any permit holder. Federal studies have indicated consumed radioactive waste, whether by drinking or eating, can cause cancer and other health problems.

Reports have stated that approximately 40 percent of Pennsylvania’s water is contaminated with the fluids found in the hydrofracking drilling done in that state. Currently, New York State’s treatment plants are not equipped to remove such carcinogens from the chemicals contained within hydrofracking fluids. Therefore, it is my belief that there is no rational reason for New York State to proceed with issuing permits for a harmful procedure. Our state cannot seek to create upstate jobs, but at the same time create a long-term, harmful condition for people throughout the state.

I respectfully request that Governor Cuomo, DEC and elected officials listen and pay attention to the adverse risks known to be present in the hydraulic fracturing techniques. Unless the process is addressed in a way where our water supply is, with absolute certainty, not susceptible to contamination, that our land is free from toxic chemicals, and our quality of life is not disrupted from frivolous neglectful actions, I then wholeheartedly urge the State to proceed with caution. I believe that if any doubt as to the safety of the hydrofracking process exists, we should not proceed to issue any permits.

It is my intent to continue fighting against this natural gas drilling process until all negative aspects are addressed and resolved. Thank you for the opportunity to express my position regarding this important environmental and safety issue.

Photo source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/158242
Author: Matthew Bowden www.digitallyrefreshing.com
Permission: the Wikimedia OTRS system

Addabbo: 'I Believe the Governor is Rushing Into Dangerous Territory'

Senator Co-Sponsored Bill S. 8129 B Calling for Hydrofracking Moratorium in Upstate Watershed

New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo (D-Queens) released the following statement on Governor Cuomo’s support of hydrofracking drilling for natural gas upstate:

Governor Cuomo supports drilling for natural gas via hydrofracking because he believes drilling in the Marcellus Shale that runs through parts of New York could bring up to 37,000 jobs to communities upstate where people need work. He has long-vowed that extraction of natural gas reserves with hydraulic fracturing in the state would not be at the expense of human health or adversely impact the environment.

The governor did put some critical areas off limits to the process of blasting water, sand and chemicals into underground rock to tap natural gas: the watersheds of New York City and Syracuse. But an environmental study released last month by the Department of Environmental Conservation proposes to limit drilling within 1,000 feet of tunnels and aqueducts that deliver water to those cities—very different from the seven-mile buffer zone that New York City recommended. The governor must be cautious, not too hasty, otherwise gas drilling could damage the lands, communities and water quality for millions of New Yorkers.

I believe the governor is rushing into dangerous territory by planning to issue proposed regulations for drilling this month, with the public only having until December 12 to comment on the draft environmental study. His administration should wait until after the final study is completed before drawing up the regulations.

How do we store and treat millions of gallons of wastewater laced with potentially toxic chemicals that are expelled via fracking? Most New York sewage plants are not currently equipped to get rid of the wastewater. There should also be some way of phasing in drilling permits so that projects do not overwhelm rural communities. The state regulators must closely monitor such projects.

A recent Quinnipiac University poll of over 1,000 registered voters from September 13-18, showed that while New York voters support by a thin 45-41 percent margin, drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale because they think economic benefits outweigh the environmental concerns, upstate voters are divided, with 47 percent opposed because they are more worried about the environment and 43 percent in support.

New York City voters split on drilling 41-41 percent; suburban voters support drilling 56-31 percent. Support is 69-20 percent among Republicans, and 47-42 percent among independent voters, while Democrats are opposed 52-35 percent. Men support drilling 52-39 percent; women oppose drilling 44-39 percent – an obvious gender gap. New York State voters say tax the companies that drill for natural gas by 51-36 percent. And, they believe drilling will create jobs by 74-19 percent, with similar support among upstate, New York City and suburban voters.

Hydrofracking will damage the environment voters believe 51-13 percent, with 35 percent who don’t know. Upstate voters had a strong concern about the environment, 54-16 percent. So voters are less emphatic about the process damaging the environment than their overwhelming belief hydrofracking will produce jobs. Upstate voters, who have the most to gain in terms of jobs and the most to lose in terms of environment, oppose natural gas drilling, while suburban voters support it.

Families in other states--Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania--that have rushed into drilling for natural gas via hydrofracking tell of filling jars with brown, odor ridden water that comes out of their household water taps.

My fear is their story becomes the story of our families, our schools, our senior centers and our businesses. The possible negative impact is frightening and the problem could be bigger than any of us can imagine. Because not only could our water be not drinkable, it also cannot be used to bathe, cook, or really be used for any purpose.

The economic devastation could be enormous. The personal and economic toll may be larger than anything we have ever faced. Not only is our drinking water in danger, but the process itself is flawed. Hydrofracking accidents in Pennsylvania in the summer of last year took the lives of three workers. All this can be avoided for our people.

The large withdrawals of water required for hydrofracking could disrupt surface and ground water ecosystems for decades to come, and improper management of drilling and hydrofracking chemicals, drilling waste, and wastewater could pollute surface water and/or groundwater and have long-lasting impacts on our agricultural industry and environment.

I am not against drilling for gas, but I did support the idea of holding off on all hydrofracking drilling until the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation completed its report as to the safety of this process.

I believe we should rationally postpone further drilling just until we know more about the safety concerns. Therefore, I respectfully disagree with Governor Andrew Cuomo's wanting to lift the moratorium and cancel a bipartisan and common-sense bill passed by the Legislature in 2010. That bill was based on factual information gathered from environmental advocates, university experts and community members that met the real-world concerns of workers, families and farmers and that would have protected the drinkable water supply for over 12 million New Yorkers.

I remain convinced that unrestricted hydrofracking activity will create a clear, present, and potentially permanent danger to the health and safety of millions of New Yorkers. Much of the Southern Tier, Central New York, the Hudson Valley and New York City draw their water from areas that were not fully protected by former Governor Paterson’s Executive Order vetoing the bill I cosponsored calling for a moratorium.

Once again, taxpayers are being asked by the energy industry to believe their drilling practices are safe and clean, but we need to look no further than the massive BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico following a deep-water drilling platform explosion, to recognize the importance of fully understanding the impact of drilling before breaking ground.

Without a thoughtful and comprehensive moratorium on hydrofracking, access to clean, drinkable water will be in jeopardy, and the health of millions put at risk. That is unacceptable.

Environmental advocates, university experts, farmers, independent policy groups and community members played an active role in crafting our legislation. We are deeply troubled the former and current governors failed to heed their advice and address their concerns, and instead, caved to pressure from a small but vocal group of oil and gas industry executives who care more for their bottom line than the safety of New Yorkers.

We're prepared to continue this fight to protect the water supply for millions of New Yorkers and to seek alternatives to hydrofracking.

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