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Hinchey Signs Petition Asking Paterson to Withdraw DEC Statement

10/27/10





ITHACA-- The future of Marcellus Shale hydraulic fracturing in New York faces more push-back from local politicians.

Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) was in Ithaca Wednesday to sign a letter asking Gov. Paterson to withdraw the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) the state Department of Environmental Conservation released last year.

Walter Hang, president of Toxics Targeting, wrote the letter last year. Former congressman Eric Massa and Rep. Mike Arcuri's names are also on that petition.

Hinchey sent his own letter to former DEC commissioner Pete Grannis last December. He called the draft statement deeply flawed, and the drilling regulations inadequate.

“We're gonna make sure that this frack drilling does not occur in New York,” until adequate environmental safeguards are in place, Hinchey said.

Hang said, “It's very, very tough to take a stand like this, where it's very black and white. I'm just glad that he's done it.”

Hinchey also said he's disappointed DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis was fired last week. He said the future of the DEC and its ability to protect the state is shakier now, more than ever.