EDF Supports New York DEC’s Due Diligence to Complete Health Review of High-volume Hydraulic Fracturing

NEW YORK — Environmental Defense Fund Associate Vice President & Chief Counsel for the U.S. Energy & Climate Program, Mark Brownstein, released the following statement in response to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s move to delay the release of its environmental impact statement and associated gas regulations yesterday. The long-awaited announcement was postponed in order to allow the State Health Commissioner enough time to complete a study on the possible health impacts of shale gas drilling.

“New York is proceeding out of an abundance of caution. We believe it is critically important that the state do all that is necessary to review the facts, fully consider the opinions of both the Department of Health and the team of public health experts with which it is consulting, before making a final decision.”