EDF statement on Governor Cuomo’s plan that would “limit gas drilling to a few counties in New York”

(New York, NY – June 13, 2012) “The Governor appears to be headed in the right direction with a “go slow” approach to shale gas development in New York State.  Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) believes a county-based approach could give those communities most directly impacted by shale gas development a central role in the state’s regulatory roll out strategy.  We think that shale gas development should only proceed where strong regulations are in place, with the trained personnel and resources necessary to implement and enforce them.  Starting in a few counties and communities that welcome development and are prepared to work with the state in managing it is a logical way to proceed. 

Of course, the devil will be in the details - press leaks are not official proposals, and we will reserve judgment until we see something official, in writing.  There is much we still don’t know about how New York plans to regulate waste water, air pollution and fugitive methane emissions, among several other important challenges to the environment and public health, and we need to see answers to these important questions.”