Still No Shale Fracking Prohibition in New York State SIX MONTHS after Cuomo Administration Promise

Greetings,

MORE THAN SIX MONTHS have now passed since the Cuomo administration promised to prohibit shale fracking in New York State. To this day, that pledge has yet to be fulfilled.

No Findings Statement has been issued to conclude the SGEIS proceeding. No final decision has been made to resolve this matter once and for all. It is simply not clear where things stand.

On December 17, 2014, many groups declared that shale fracking had been "banned" when the Cuomo administration recommended that high-volume, hydraulic fracturing "should not proceed in New York State."

We now understand that any shale fracking prohibition would not be permanent and, according to Environmental Commissioner Martens, could be "revisited at any time when new or significant information comes to light."

Many groups profusely thanked Governor Cuomo for supporting a shale fracking prohibition even though the details of that prohibition have not been revealed. With all respect, giving away leverage before the deal is done is a cardinal sin in negotiating tactics. The devil will be in the details.

After six months without formal adoption of any shale fracking prohibition, we should increasingly wonder what might be going on behind closed doors on the Second Floor of the State Capitol as the legislative session drags on. Extreme caution in this matter is unquestionably warranted.

That is why we must take nothing for granted. We must trust, but verify, all the way to the end.

Please Keep Calling Governor Cuomo at 518 474 8390 until a Final SGEIS Findings Statement is Issued.

You will hear a recording. Press 2 to leave a message or press 3 to speak with a live person. Either option is fine.

"Governor Cuomo, please require DEC to issue a Findings Statement that implements the Final SGEIS 'No-Action' alternative: 'The denial of permits to develop the Marcellus Shale and other low-permeability gas reservoirs by horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing.'"

This would prevent the horrifically inadequate Final SGEIS from authorizing shale fracking in New York.

Please refer to this Urgent Action Guide: http://www.toxicstargeting.com/Final-SGEIS-Findings-Statement-Quick-Action-Guide

Conclusion

The Marcellus Shale battle has yet to be decided in New York. The shale fracking moratorium, or temporary ban, adopted in 2008 is simply continuing into its seventh year.

Please pour it on until the final horn sounds. Keep calling. As Lawrence Berra famously observed, "It ain't over till it's over."

Very best regards,

Walter

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