New York releases final fracking review

A latest report has backed up Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision to ban fracking. It has given details about a wide range of environmental dangers.

Earth justice managing attorney Deborah Goldberg said the Department of Environmental Conservation report has mentioned about a long list of potential dangers from fracking operations, involving blasting millions of gallons of water mixed with hazardous chemicals into the ground.

She said the report has linked earthquakes, bad water and air quality, and risks to our communities to fracking. She added that there really wasn’t any environmental parameter that was not severely affected by fracking.

Industry officials have maintained that the process was safe, and may file suit if the report is accepted.

Goldberg said that this report was not the final word, and added that the DEC commissioner is still required to issue findings and make a final determination.

Goldberg credited the Cuomo administration for taking the right course because it has put the burden on the industry for proving that the process was safe before giving permission for any natural-gas fracturing in New York.

She said, “I think we are completely on the leading edge. Gov. Cuomo is the only governor in a state that has proven gas reserves to follow the science and recognize that we just don't know enough to go forward safely”.

It is estimated that Marcellus Shale has over 140 trillion feet of natural gas in reserve, but experts can't be sure of how much gas is contained within the New York state boundaries. Keeping in mind the uncertainty and the safety issues, Goldberg said that she was not certain that the industry will see any real gain in challenging the report or not.