Statement of Mark Brownstein, Associate Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund, on New York State Fracking Ban

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Jon Coifman, 212-616-1325, jcoifman@edf.org

(NEW YORK – December 17, 2014) “The risks associated with hydraulic fracturing and unconventional oil and natural gas development are so serious, EDF believes that every state has the right to decide whether or not development is consistent with the interests and wishes of its citizens. New York State has made its decision — but with or without drilling here, New York remains the country’s fifth largest natural gas consumer, with an extensive network of gas transmission and distribution lines. Methane leaking from these systems has more than 80 times the climate-warming power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year timeframe. State officials and the companies that operate these pipes need to find and fix those leaks as part of the ongoing effort to modernize New York’s electric and gas infrastructure and accelerate the state’s transition to cleaner, renewable, and more efficient energy.”

• Mark Brownstein, Associate Vice President, US Climate and Energy Program