Tom Libous started safedrillingnow.com to encourage the Department of Environmental Conservation to issue regulations that will allow our community to gain the enconomic benefits of natural gas drilling but also will protect our water and maintain our roads.
This is a process that will help promote change for the better of the "circle-of-life" known as landowners, towns, states, our U.S. nation (via job increase & financial stimulation), and the enironment (NG is better than our current standard reliances). The GEIS clearly addresses "human error" involved in the drilling process. Lets get our country back on a positive note and start it with drilling/using our own resources.
I support the NYSDEC dSGEIS!!! The NYSDEC was thorough and got it right for protecting the environment and the property owner. Upstate needs natural gas drilling for the economic benefits in our communities.In many upstate rural communities the school districts, towns and villages are the biggest employer. That said; The burden of taxes is placed directly on the property owners. This is specially true in Chenango County. This industry would help give property owners a break they deserve.
I do not support drilling. The methods proposed are not safe/ Stop the drilling plans. As a retired Professor of American Histyory I have taught environmental history for 35 years and am a landed tax paying resident for over 50 years.
Tom, I am very concerned because there is very little protection in the DEC's Document to protect my rural water well and the acquifers from which we all draw our water in the valleys of the Susquehanna and the Chenango. There is nothing to protect me from the noise of the operations, nor anything to deal with air pollution. The latter damages the health of people, animals and plants. My taxes will go up to provide for their damaging the roads and the requirements placed on emergency response teams for their errors and their pollution. After researching extensively on the problems with this industry in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, abd Pennsylvania, I understand that very few people in our area will benefit and the rest of us will suffer greatly from our property becoming worthless, our health deteriorating, and our area being turned into an industrial wasteland. This industry does not yet know how to extract this gas safely. You need to challenge them to do so.
809 pages! You've got to be kidding. -most of the public is not going to read this many pages -some of the public won't even be able to open the link to see the 809 pages -plus, it is very difficult to understand all the technical / chemical jargon
I think it's unrealistic to expect the general public to read this draft, understand it and all the implications and then make comments. I've flipped through the pages and don't have a clue if these regulations are good and safe or not. If this draft is approved, who is going to police the drillers to make sure they are following the regulations. There are going to be hundreds, possibly thousands of wells drilled, all will have fracking done on them. There aren't enough inspectors to monitor all drilling sites, trucks on our roads or treatment facilities.
I don't want the financial gains from drilling these gas wells to out weigh the environmental impact they may have on the land and water sources.
My public comment about the Public comment time for the DEC's recently released SGEIS: We alraedy know the anti (Nat. gas) drilling smears-"a quick buck", "tainted water", "noise", "traffic congestion", "ruined landscapes", etc. etc.-but! Its all covered in the draft SGEIS! yes 800 pages-so whats to comment on? why does the "public" have to comment-why should Joe the plummers veiw (contrary or not) make a diffrence? The experts-the companies doing the drilling, extracting natural gas is all the comment period should be about-I mean I dont see experts quitting their private sector nat. gas jobs to join the DEC. So the DEC must have to rely largely on what goes on in the day to day activities of the nat. gas co's. So,who are the actual experts-who's comments are more important now? PUT THE FINAL DRAFT OUT NOW!!!!
Americans need to demand a complete moratorium on gas drilling in the US, until Environmental Impact Studies are done in all watersheds where drilling is taking place. Nineteen months ago many residents of the Delaware River Basin woke up to a nightmare. Thousands of research-hours later it is crystal clear that natural gas is just another dirty FOSSIL FUEL. There are huge environmental impacts that need to be studied before more wells and water withdrawals are permitted. Trucks spewing diesel fumes 24/7, artificial lights 24/7, jet engine compressors 24/7, low frequency noise 24/7, and toxic chemicals in the aquifers from which millions drink, bathe, and swim must be considered. Each time a well is fracked 140,000 pounds of chemicals are used. Drilling muds removed from the earth are toxic waste. The media blitz in support of CLEAN GAS is nothing less than propaganda to an uninformed American public looking for a quick fix to their energy woes. Subsidies are all in the hands of BIGGAS and OIL. Their representatives have made erroneous statements about the mining of natural gas, which have been printed in local papers across the Marcellus Shale zone and now, unfortunately, they are aired on NPR.
Landowners are being lured to lease their land for 3-5 thousand dollar an acre, plus royalties, without knowing the long-term impacts. Environmental groups and concerned citizens from around the country have shared their information with all who will listen. Talk about a 24/7 job! And yet, many have not listened. That’s because this is not about energy. This is about money for big corporations. Beware, there’s no chance at fighting these companies once they get a foothold. Natural gas is not a viable alternative if the quality of life in the United States and the nation’s water and air is ruined. Visit www.DamascusCitizens.com
I believe NYS should encourage Safe Drilling in the State, the more natural gas we can pull out of the ground the better plus it's an economic boom which we certainly need.
As a side note I think the US Government should be doing A LOT more drilling for oil in this country.....
safe drilling has been going on in NYS for a very long time, Tom we'll need more inspectors. But from what I see from the GEIS is pretty sound. The NIMBY's don't care what the GEIS says they just want any drilling banned and the folks from NYC who are so worried about their water build a filter plant and drink ocean water. Stop bugging us upstate NY'ers. Its Our Land let us decide on drilling or not
I have read most of the GEIS. I feel it was a comprehensively done assessment of the natural gas drilling in New York State. New York State residents need to focus on the past history of drilling in New York State and how that industry has been regulated. If the residents of New York State would learn the pros and cons of drilling rather than listening to the people who prefer to try to spread the fear of drilling by going to less regulated areas, they would without a doubt feel much safer about the drilling in New York. I am for safe drilling, I believe the DEC has done a commendable job in the past governing drilling,and for the restarting of the economy for all of New York State.
I live in Unadilla, NY and I support Drilling in NYS for several reasons: we cannot continue to support Oil imports and the Money we send overseas, that money would be better spent in the U.S.. as opposed to supporting Terrorists. Let's not be naive, 19 of the 9/11 hijackerrs were Saudie Arrabians !! Secondly NYS imports 96% of it's Natural Gas now, so Again why are we sending Money out of state? thirdly, the new GasFrac method of extraction uses Propane as opposed to Water (http://gasfrac.com/) and Fourthly, the southern tier of NYS has been in economic decline for years, has one of teh highest unemployment rates in the Country (25% in Oneonta alone, and last but not leasg, GAS Drilling is a right of the land owner and should not be taken away but anyone else, provided it can be done safely and without interfering with other land owners and downstream people. Please keep in mind all that driling in NYS has been going on for 150 years and in snothing new... JM
Dear Tom, I believe we should drill,but do it safely with out water,clean drinkable water mankind could not survive without it.If we were to lose 1 aquifer all the money on the planet would not be worth it,i guess what i am asking is to look into all the problems thru out the country and then make all the decisions needed.
I am a NY resident and I support drilling for natural gas. the people that oppose the gas drilling have, not a clue as to how many gas wells, that have been drilled in NY safely.You cannot compare NY to other states that do not have the same regulations we have here.We now have the GEIS to help control the drilling. The DEC has done their job well.
Yes we need to allow safe drilling in our area.. BUT - people be aware that these gas companies ARE paying 6 to 7 thousand dollars per acre to lease land just over the border into Pennsylvania.. Gas workers have bought homes and moved their families to the Montrose Pa area.. They plan to be here a very long time. A rally will be held in Albany NY tomorrow (Monday Jan 25th.) to encourage NYS to move along with these hold ups we have had but keep our enviorment safe too. YES - We the people need the natural gas companies here. This helps our local economy, jobs for our local people and our country with this natural gas resourse.. Thanks Tom for staying in touch with us - even us democrates :) Blessings to you..
Hello Senator Libous and thank you! We were at the rally supporting safe drilling in Albany last Monday We pulled my 15 year old daughter out of school Monday to witness this historic, dare I say, watershed, moment first hand. You have a picture of her and her dad holding a banner on the slideshow you presented in the segment titled Tom Libous reports to you 1/26/10. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
I do believe that given the proper legislated authorization and funding, the DEC and DOH can effectively ensure our water supplies, but that legislation is not yet written !
What worries me more is what the drilling activities will do to our forests. Extensive clearing needed to site the drilling pads for the amount of wells that has been proposed, will turn our forests into a "moonscape". Once our hillsides are turned into fields of grass instead of beautiful forests, few will want to live here.
the only thing I see stopping drilling is the politicians.. I live in the Sidney NY area and 90% of the people I meet are for Drilling and when I explain the details and truths to the other 10% they go for it too.. There are at least 2 new methods for drilling that don't involve Water at all, and one that involves very little.. so what is the issue?
democrats are holding my tax refund,raising my property taxes, taxing my soda, taking money away from my childrens schools and my parents healthcare AND on top of that these nyc politicians want to prevent gas drilling on MY land?????
I don't want to pollute anybody's water or contaminate the air, we can do this safely and bring billions of dollars to western NY.
thank you for your efforts. There is nothing natural about blasting rock bed apart, 2 miles under the earth's surface. We ar eliving with a nightmare in Dimock Pa already and for those of you who do not want to realize the dangers of gas drilling, come on out to Dimcock; ruined water wells, endless noise and truck traffic, ruined roads and fields; all so a handful of people can make money . It is a terrible tragedy.
Drill Baby Drill, Sullivan County owns almost 2,000 acres of land X $5,000 front monies equals $10,000,000. Can anyone living in this county say no to gas drilling? If they say no, they are idiots!
I believe this entire political "sham" is such an egregious "taking" of my and my neighbor's property rights that action should be taken against the State. The obstructionists, including Sheldon Silver, have not presented one credible piece of evidence that any danger is posed to the environment by drilling, and it's being done all over the US. There is simply no excuse for the delay when NY already has the most restrictive regulations of any state in the nation. People in the timber and stone businesses are losing their businesses and incomes while politicians who obviously don't care continue this charade. To think this needless delay could be taking place during one of the worst recessions on record shows a total lack of regard for our area by the the environmental radicals and NYC politicians. NYC came up here to get our water since we obviously took care of the environment in order to produce such good water, now they're going to tell us what we need to do to protect the environment. What a joke! We are being laughed at by residents of other states for this nonsense, but, frankly, I don't think it's funny. Environmental nonsense is ruining this country! We can't even recover our own resources because of it, and would rather send our money to or enemies. This country is turning into a bunch of wimps and whiners, and someone had better wake up before it's too late.
Part of testimony to DEC from a NY town supervisor who has lived the experience of drilling:
My office has also been deluged with complaints ranging from trespass, seismic trespass, unethical leasing practices, compulsory integration concerns, allegations of illegal spacing units, two gas well rig fires in 2009, significant road impacts that dwarfed our small town's road repair budget, a lack of prior notification to both landowners and town officials, inconsistent and spotty practices by gas well developers and their various contractors, concerns about impact to water sources and water aquifers, questions as to the ethical practices of natural gas developers, communication concerns related to collaboration between various state agencies and federal regulatory agencies, and questions about the current system of reporting fuel production.
The comment above is correct "There is nothing natural about blasting rock bed apart, 2 miles under the earth's surface". They are living with a nightmare in Dimock Pa already and for those of you who do not want to realize the dangers of gas drilling, go on out to Dimcock; ruined water wells, endless noise and truck traffic, ruined roads and fields; all so a handful of people can make money . It is a terrible tragedy. Perhaps you do not want to read/hear this - but - I live on 5 acres of land with a pristine, 196 ft. deep artisian well for our family water - this is clean, cold water that comes bubbling up out of the ground folks - a wonder. Now, what happens if our neighbors decide to let the gas co. drill and frack for Natural Gas ? Who is going to replace our well water when their fracking disrupts the ground water? We will be left with the problem - and what about our other neighbors who have the same problems? I don't think the gas co's will do it exactly on purpose - but when the problem happens - all we will hear is - maybe - oh, we are sorry - and there will be no solution to our problem and we won't be able to live on our land with out a well or sell our home and property - which we do not want to do. We love living upstate on our small piece of land with our gardens - on a back road. This is our retirement plan - we have worked hard, like many of our neighbors, lived here most of our lives, payed our bills and taxes and mortgages. Almost ready to retire and now this is hovering over our heads to destroy what the financial meltdown has not. Plenty of us never had a whole lot of money after paying our bills etc. to invest in stocks and bonds - we just doggedly pay our bills and protect our property while we try to do no harm. STOP - and think. We need to correct many problems in the country of ours. We need to do with a bit less, waste a lot less, use solar and wind power to excess. We each need to turn down the thermostats, turn off the lights when we leave a room - not turn the lights on when we don't need them. We need to stop getting the the car when we don't absolutely need to - combine trips. Read books, less TV, more gardening or walking or playing outside for exercise. We need to drink more water, less soda - we need to refill our glass or metal water bottles - and take care of ourselves and our property. Stop being wasteful first of all and please consider all of these things before we consider taking the considerable chance of destroying our beautiful, healthy, upstate NY environment. More jobs can be had by increasing Solar and Wind generated power. Did you know that Germany is the largest user of Solar energy and they have a whole lot less sunshine than we do in NY. But, they know something that a lot of us don't - you need to be conscious of what you are doing (energy wise) you can't be wasteful, you have to be thoughtful and you have to make conscious decisions. We need to stop being lazy folks. It is time to use our brains and think about what we are doing. Use less and be aware that our environment is really a closed system - what we choose to do is not going to go away. Because we toss the plastic bottle/ bags in the garbage does not make them go away - they are piling up folks and they will come back to us in not so nice ways later. If not us, then our children and grandchildren will be blaming us for our wasteful habits. It is not Natural to frack for under ground gas. It will disrupt whatever is in the ground. It will kill or disrupt what lives in the ground around it. Because we can do it does NOT mean we should do it.
I think that DEC had done one whale of a job trying to answer all sides of natural gas drilling issues in NY state. It is now time to start issuing permits on an incremental basis. Start in the rural areas and monitor the whole process carefully. I have studied horizontal drilling process and visited drill sites in Penna and Alberta,Canada where horizontal drilling is being done. I came away feeling, if done per specs, it is a very, very safe process. We need the revenue,jobs,foreign independence, bridge energy (Natural Gas)to renewable energy ie solar,wind,geothermal,nuclear which has one-half the carbon footprint of coal.We need NY state to get going before energy companies walk away from NY. Another possibility for expanding natural gas consumption is Liquified Natural Gas(LNG)for vehicle use. It will cut polution as well. Lets get started on a measured basis by issuing permits now!!! Gordon Rockefeller, Vestal,NY
I am terribly dismayed that you seem to be supporting a policy of one dollar one vote. Citizens with large tracts of land (wherein there might be natural gas) will undoubtedly have the potential to reap huge financial rewards and also gain the ability to simply move away from any long term effects of hydrofracking.
I would challenge anyone coming here to this site to ask a series of critical questions of you and the drilling companies;
1. Where will the workers that make and operate these wells come from? - It seems in the case of many other locals these workers were shipped in, and not hired organically at the local level where the drilling is occurring.
2. So how do non-local workers add to the long term success of our communities?
3. Those that stand to make the most profits from this en devour - what incentive will there be for them to stay here in NY and add to the long term success of our communities? - if we bless off as a state and in our communities how do we know they won't just take the money and run - and who is going to stop them?...I have my doubts about a Senator that sponsors a pro drilling site.
4. Why is NYC so concerned about drilling in their watershed - what do they know that we do not?..what are they concerned about that we should consider?
5. Why aren't these companies covered by the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, or the Superfund law - and why isn't this a concern for Senator Libous?
6. And in the light of the disaster in the gulf where are our brave Senators to yell “drill here drill now!” – were so easy as to just know what misfortunes will befall us if we allow this drilling.
We have had alternative energy technologies available to us since the 70s; unfortunately we have not had the leadership at the state level during any of that time.
I want to thank you for sending such a hackneyed tele-marketed, blanket phone message to me. I look forward to now joining this fray; the bee's nest has been rattled.
And finally for you William H Hall (see the post above)...perhaps you need to consider the idea that property rights of one person shouldn't supersede the property rights of another. If I wanted to dump toxic oil by the hundreds of gallons onto my lawn right by your house I don't think you would believe that your protests were simply quaintly obstructionist.
After 25 years building a farm and business in rural Binghamton, we are tired, overtaxed and have been trying to sell our property in order to retire. Sadly, the only interested buyers are out of state speculators. If the SEGIS report comes out soon, we will be able to hire enough help to keep the farm the beautiful haven for people and horses that it is. We have a land protective lease with Fortuna and are confident that with all the regulations, drilling can be done safely. We cannot wait much longer, however, nor can several of our neighbors who are about to lose the farms that have been in their families for generations because they cannot pay their exorbitant taxes. The people offering to buy our farm have never even seen it, live out of state, and are only interested in profit. They will not keep the animals, maintain the fences, fields or buildings. Within 6 months, I believe this farm will be nothing but overgrown scrub and falling down outbuildings. The profit from the land will not go back into the land as it would with us, but instead will go into out of state pockets of the already rich farm raiders (the new corporate raiders) It breaks my heart, but we are no longer young and cannot hold out much longer.
It makes no sense that Senator Addabbo or Speaker Silver can literally cut the potential resources of upstate New York with no credible/factual support that I can find. Drilling is safe if one looks at all the facts. The EPA looked at the fracking process 2-3 years ago and came away with NO unsafe conditions found. Why do these civil servants continue to resist common sense???
Several items need to be carefully considered before drilling can even be considered. 1) Gas migration. New York State has a unique geology that includes many fissures in the shale rock. Drillers could inadvertently hit a fissure while drilling and natural gas, primarily methane could seep to the surface and cause an explosion. 2) Disposal of waste water. Presently there is nowhere to take the wastewater from drilling. Will the citizens of Upstate New York have to pay for an expensive new wastewater treatment plant to be built and have higher taxes so a few citizens can get rich? 3) Blow out preventer valves. In light of the Gulf of Mexico disaster and the recent blow out in PA, we need to research this issue before drilling proceeds. We don't need a Gulf of Mexico disaster in Upstate New York of the natural gas variety. 4) Cement casings. We need to make sure all companies use the intermediate casings. I understand that some companies do not and this could lead to more gas migration to the surface and potential of more explosions. We are not ready for this new type of horizontal drilling in New York's geology until we have tested every aspect to make sure we do not turn into the next Dimock, Pa.
What a shame it would be if we missed this opportunity to drill for natural gas to help turn things around in this state. This state is in REAL trouble. I wonder if there would be this much opposition to natural gas drilling if more people stood to profit from it? It seems to me that a large percentage (maybe even a majority) of those opposed do not even live anywhere near where drilling may occur. It would be great if everyone in NYS could get a check from natural gas drilling, but, unfortunately this is not the case. HOWEVER, many people and communities will directly benefit from natural gas drilling. There are so many "spin off" benefits from this, too many to mention here. Folks just need to think about this. I can not understand what the anti drilling people mean when they say that the economic benefit is not as great as many project. I also find it offensive when they say or imply that drilling employees lead to higher crime rates in the communities that they work. These folks have just as much right to be in our communities as we do. Where do you think they spend their money while in our towns? Where do these "anti's" come off by claiming to have all the CORRECT facts when there are many pro drilling scientists and other technical people who say that drilling is safe? Sen. Libous, please do all you can to see that this opportunity is not squandered away.
Fracking is too dangerous. Please, let's not find this out after it's too late. When this wonderful rural countryside is poisoned for generations. Farmers are having to put down whole herds because of toxic chemical poisoning. Who is going to help me when my well is poisoned and the gas co won't take responsiblity? Who is going to help me when I can't sell my property because banks won't lend to borrowers wanting to buy gas leased land or land adjacent to leased land. What is the town going to do when so many homeowners abandon poisoned properties that their tax revenues drop to dangerous levels. These are not the ravings of my over-active imagination. THIS IS HAPPENING NOW IN PA!!
Just found out that the State Senate, at midnight last night, overwhelmingly voted to impose a legislative moratorium — on top of the still-dragging, now-two-year-old administrative moratorium.
To me, this just shows all of us here in New York who is the real David, and who is the real Goliath. Score one for the Green Giant, and for the persuasiveness of anecdote, mythology, fear, and outright intentional dishonesty.
I see that Sen. Tom voted in the defeated minority, but how are such cooler heads ever going to get this turned around after May 2011?
Like it or not drilling is on it's way. Lets get it done safe and smart with a slow start. Three years should have been long enough for the DEC, don't we have any competent Hydrologists in NYS or the U.S.? Billions on the line failing farms a county (Broome) that steals gas rights on foreclosed property, it all seams pretty pathetic to me, disfunctional government at its best. Welcome all to upstate N.Y.
Are you kidding !!! Great job to all those that have worked so hard for safe drilling. We have the facts on our side. Thanks again Tom for your hard work.
Thanks Senator for taking on this issue so that New York might have economic relief and help our country to become self-sustaining and independent using our clean, natural resources. New York is #50 in freedom and #1 in high taxes, regulation and residents migrating to other states. We need natural gas drilling and fracking is the key to safe, clean, dependable extraction, as outlined in the documentary, "Gas Odyssey".
Thanks Tom,for your support of gas drilling.I trust the DEC,the people who really know what's involved in hydrofracking.I'm tired of having the anti drilling putting out down right lies to promote their agenda.It's time to give the landowners the right to develop their land,their mineral rights.The benefits are great,jobs and economics of drilling will have for all of us.
My name is Bob Seymour and I am a land owner/taxpayer. I whole-heartedly support drilling in New York. I believe that it can and will be done safely because of the DEC's rigid regulations. The sooner it begins the better for the whole state, including the pinheads that have spread the propaganda against it. There have been big problems and damage caused by some gas company shortcuts and they will need to be watched closly but the fact is that this state can not afford to wait for "ideal" conditions that do not exist in ANY industry. There are risks that are taken everyday by everyone but we must not be controlled by the fear and uncertainty that comes with everyday life any more than we can the risks of producing the energy that can potentially free the country from energy dependance on foriegn countries that would like very much to see us fail.
I am against hydrofracking and do not believe it can be done safely, while gas/oil companies are exempt from important regulations such as The Clean Water Act, The Clean Air Act, and The Safe Drinking Water Act. I ecourage you to take a tour of Pennsylvania where they are drilling now, to see first hand the dangers and destruction of hydrofracking. Senator Greg Ball and Josh Fox (Gasland) are encouraging Governor Cuomo, as well as anyone interested in hydrofracking to see first hand the devastating results of this practice, and you can meet the people being effected. How can anyone say this can be done safely, without direct knowledge of its effects right now in the neighboring state of Pennsylvania? Please, I urge you to take the short trip to Pennsylvania, so you are aware of what protections need to be in place BEFORE any drilling can occur in New York State!!!!
Nice to see you're looking out for the economies of Texas and Oklahoma, Tom. I've seen a lot of those license plates crawling around PA for a while now, and a lot of people in PA still without the the jobs they were promised. I can understand, though, the drought this summer hit Texas pretty hard, and they couldn't suck up all their water to use for drilling fast enough, unfortunately for the farmers there. I'd love to see who's been giving you contributions, if you're feeling generous. Unless they don't want their company names public.
How about you do something truly good for the Southern Tier: Invest in green jobs. Solar and Wind energy can't be piped down to the ports in NYC (You know, those guys you told to stay out of the debate because they had nothing to do with the gas drilling) to be sent out overseas, it's really going to solve our energy crisis that way. Solar and wind would create jobs in construction and maintenance, and even manufacturing, all without making our water explosive. And the jobs would stay here.
Who are you work for Tom, the Southern Tier, or Chesapeake Oil and Gas?
While I appreciate the sentament that DEC regulators will protect the watershed from the 7000 foot drilling and high pressure injection of millions of gallions of toxic chemicals and desiel fluid. I quesion the practical application of this. How many DEC regulators will have to be hired? How many are there currently for the entire state?
Our neighbors burn trash weekly, this has been proven to be toxic. It is illegal in NYS, and in our county. We have called the DEC on several instinces. We have never been called back or recieved a visit in more than 5 years. Yesterday my son was searching for his pet rabbit and noticed that the neighbor has a new burn pile, full of styro-foam and plastic bags, further back on his property line.
It does not seem like there are enoough DEC officers to handle these important complaints. How will the DEC have enough agents to investigate the thousands of gas wells that are planned?
Who will regulate the trucks and traffic? I have seen fracking fluied being video taped and dumped along the highway. Heck in many areas it is used as Brine on highways and parks. Incredible that this toxic waste is being used where we drive and our families play. In the flood it was washed away down stream, not a pretty picture for PA.
I have friends in Pennsylvania who's well have been contaminated. Another friend shared an email about her friend whose daughter lives near a gas well site and was exposed to plutonium and uranium posioing. I do not want this for my children. We love our fresh water and cannot imagine life without plenty. I know the money is huge, it is a boom and bust, some will boom and make much money, then it will bust and the rest of us, those loyal to proteting the aquafir for everyone, will be left dry and doomed. If you are positive that the neargby frackig that you say is planned for early next year is safe, then please send our family the $300-800 it will cost to test our water beforet he drilling begins! This is a cost that we are currently facing as a restult of the potential fracking. BTW can you please tell me if the increased traffic and gas and work trucks I see in my town-Hector are an indication that hydrofracking action is happening, for future fracking? Think about sustainability and doing the right thing for future generations. Without Fresh Water what do we have? How can we farm? Raise our children? Water is Precious- if you contaminate the aquifir you can not make it right, or fix it. You cannot buy a new one. It will be gone forever, for everyone! And for what? Cheap gas sold to China or the Middle East, only to be sold back to us in the future for an enormous price? Is this worth any amont of money from Exxon? Blessings with love from, PrayPeoplePray ~~we need Gods help on this one~~
Please leave the gas in the earth. Put our resources into renewable and sustainable fuels, industies and jobs. Time to invest in the future.
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ReplyDeleteTom, Good work. Thanks for staying on top of this! These issues are really testing all of us.
ReplyDeleteLooks good overall,they did their homework.
ReplyDeleteThis is a process that will help promote change for the better of the "circle-of-life" known as landowners, towns, states, our U.S. nation (via job increase & financial stimulation), and the enironment (NG is better than our current standard reliances). The GEIS clearly addresses "human error" involved in the drilling process. Lets get our country back on a positive note and start it with drilling/using our own resources.
ReplyDeleteI support safe drilling in NY. Bring the jobs and money to NY and lets do it safely. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI support the NYSDEC dSGEIS!!! The NYSDEC was thorough and got it right for protecting the environment and the property owner. Upstate needs natural gas drilling for the economic benefits in our communities.In many upstate rural communities the school districts, towns and villages are the biggest employer. That said; The burden of taxes is placed directly on the property owners. This is specially true in Chenango County. This industry would help give property owners a break they deserve.
ReplyDeleteI do not support drilling. The methods proposed are not safe/ Stop the drilling plans. As a retired Professor of American Histyory I have taught environmental history for 35 years and am a landed tax paying resident for over 50 years.
ReplyDeleteTom, I am very concerned because there is very little protection in the DEC's
ReplyDeleteDocument to protect my rural water well and the acquifers from which we all draw our water in the valleys of the Susquehanna and the Chenango. There is nothing to protect me from the noise of the operations, nor anything to deal with air pollution. The latter damages the health of people, animals and plants. My taxes will go up to provide for their damaging the roads and the requirements placed on emergency response teams for their errors and their pollution. After researching extensively on the problems with this industry in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, abd Pennsylvania, I understand that very few people in our area will benefit and the rest of us will suffer greatly from our property becoming worthless, our health deteriorating, and our area being turned into an industrial wasteland. This industry does not yet know how to extract this gas safely. You need to challenge them to do so.
809 pages! You've got to be kidding.
ReplyDelete-most of the public is not going to read this many pages
-some of the public won't even be able to open the link to see the 809 pages
-plus, it is very difficult to understand all the technical / chemical jargon
I think it's unrealistic to expect the general public to read this draft, understand it and all the implications and then make comments. I've flipped through the pages and don't have a clue if these regulations are good and safe or not. If this draft is approved, who is going to police the drillers to make sure they are following the regulations. There are going to be hundreds, possibly thousands of wells drilled, all will have fracking done on them. There aren't enough inspectors to
monitor all drilling sites, trucks on our roads or treatment facilities.
I don't want the financial gains from drilling these gas wells to out weigh the environmental impact they may have on the land and water sources.
My public comment about the Public comment time for the DEC's recently released SGEIS: We alraedy know the anti (Nat. gas) drilling smears-"a quick buck", "tainted water", "noise", "traffic congestion", "ruined landscapes", etc. etc.-but! Its all covered in the draft SGEIS! yes 800 pages-so whats to comment on? why does the "public" have to comment-why should Joe the plummers veiw (contrary or not) make a diffrence? The experts-the companies doing the drilling, extracting natural gas is all the comment period should be about-I mean I dont see experts quitting their private sector nat. gas jobs to join the DEC. So the DEC must have to rely largely on what goes on in the day to day activities of the nat. gas co's. So,who are the actual experts-who's comments are more important now? PUT THE FINAL DRAFT OUT NOW!!!!
ReplyDeleteAmericans need to demand a complete moratorium on gas drilling in the US, until Environmental Impact Studies are done in all watersheds where drilling is taking place. Nineteen months ago many residents of the Delaware River Basin woke up to a nightmare. Thousands of research-hours later it is crystal clear that natural gas is just another dirty FOSSIL FUEL. There are huge environmental impacts that need to be studied before more wells and water withdrawals are permitted. Trucks spewing diesel fumes 24/7, artificial lights 24/7, jet engine compressors 24/7, low frequency noise 24/7, and toxic chemicals in the aquifers from which millions drink, bathe, and swim must be considered. Each time a well is fracked 140,000 pounds of chemicals are used. Drilling muds removed from the earth are toxic waste.
ReplyDeleteThe media blitz in support of CLEAN GAS is nothing less than propaganda to an uninformed American public looking for a quick fix to their energy woes. Subsidies are all in the hands of BIGGAS and OIL. Their representatives have made erroneous statements about the mining of natural gas, which have been printed in local papers across the Marcellus Shale zone and now, unfortunately, they are aired on NPR.
Landowners are being lured to lease their land for 3-5 thousand dollar an acre, plus royalties, without knowing the long-term impacts.
Environmental groups and concerned citizens from around the country have shared their information with all who will listen. Talk about a 24/7 job! And yet, many have not listened. That’s because this is not about energy. This is about money for big corporations.
Beware, there’s no chance at fighting these companies once they get a foothold.
Natural gas is not a viable alternative if the quality of life in the United States and the nation’s water and air is ruined.
Visit www.DamascusCitizens.com
I believe NYS should encourage Safe Drilling in the State, the more natural gas we can pull out of the ground the better plus it's an economic boom which we certainly need.
ReplyDeleteAs a side note I think the US Government should be doing A LOT more drilling for oil in this country.....
safe drilling has been going on in NYS for a very long time, Tom we'll need more inspectors. But from what I see from the GEIS is pretty sound. The NIMBY's don't care what the GEIS says they just want any drilling banned and the folks from NYC who are so worried about their water build a filter plant and drink ocean water. Stop bugging us upstate NY'ers. Its Our Land let us decide on drilling or not
ReplyDeleteI have read most of the GEIS. I feel it was a comprehensively done assessment of the natural gas drilling in New York State. New York State residents need to focus on the past history of drilling in New York State and how that industry has been regulated. If the residents of New York State would learn the pros and cons of drilling rather than listening to the people who prefer to try to spread the fear of drilling by going to less regulated areas, they would without a doubt feel much safer about the drilling in New York. I am for safe drilling, I believe the DEC has done a commendable job in the past governing drilling,and for the restarting of the economy for all of New York State.
ReplyDeleteI live in Unadilla, NY and I support Drilling in NYS for several reasons: we cannot continue to support Oil imports and the Money we send overseas, that money would be better spent in the U.S.. as opposed to supporting Terrorists. Let's not be naive, 19 of the 9/11 hijackerrs were Saudie Arrabians !! Secondly NYS imports 96% of it's Natural Gas now, so Again why are we sending Money out of state? thirdly, the new GasFrac method of extraction uses Propane as opposed to Water (http://gasfrac.com/) and Fourthly, the southern tier of NYS has been in economic decline for years, has one of teh highest unemployment rates in the Country (25% in Oneonta alone, and last but not leasg, GAS Drilling is a right of the land owner and should not be taken away but anyone else, provided it can be done safely and without interfering with other land owners and downstream people. Please keep in mind all that driling in NYS has been going on for 150 years and in snothing new...
ReplyDeleteJM
Dear Tom,
ReplyDeleteI believe we should drill,but do it safely with out water,clean drinkable water mankind could not survive without it.If we were to lose 1 aquifer all the money on the planet would not be worth it,i guess what i am asking is to look into all the problems thru out the country and then make all the decisions needed.
I am a NY resident and I support responsible drilling for natural gas in upstate NY.
ReplyDeleteI am a NY resident and I support drilling for natural gas. the people that oppose the gas drilling have, not a clue as to how many gas wells, that have been drilled in NY safely.You cannot compare NY to other states that do not have the same regulations we have here.We now have the GEIS to help control the drilling. The DEC has done their job well.
ReplyDeleteYes we need to allow safe drilling in our area.. BUT - people be aware that these gas companies ARE paying 6 to 7 thousand dollars per acre to lease land just over the border into Pennsylvania.. Gas workers have bought homes and moved their families to the Montrose Pa area.. They plan to be here a very long time. A rally will be held in Albany NY tomorrow (Monday Jan 25th.) to encourage NYS to move along with these hold ups we have had but keep our enviorment safe too. YES - We the people need the natural gas companies here. This helps our local economy, jobs for our local people and our country with this natural gas resourse.. Thanks Tom for staying in touch with us - even us democrates :) Blessings to you..
ReplyDeleteHello Senator Libous and thank you!
ReplyDeleteWe were at the rally supporting safe drilling in Albany last Monday
We pulled my 15 year old daughter out of school Monday to witness this historic, dare I say, watershed, moment first hand. You have a picture of her and her dad holding a banner on the slideshow you presented in the segment titled Tom Libous reports to you 1/26/10.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
I support immediate drilling on economic and security reasons.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that given the proper legislated authorization and funding, the DEC and DOH can effectively ensure our water supplies, but that legislation is not yet written !
ReplyDeleteWhat worries me more is what the drilling activities will do to our forests. Extensive clearing needed to site the drilling pads for the amount of wells that has been proposed, will turn our forests into a "moonscape". Once our hillsides are turned into fields of grass instead of beautiful forests, few will want to live here.
I support safe drilling NOW!
ReplyDeleteI support safe drilling and beleave we need to get this moving so that we can get jobs created and money in N.Y. State.
ReplyDeletethe only thing I see stopping drilling is the politicians.. I live in the Sidney NY area and 90% of the people I meet are for Drilling and when I explain the details and truths to the other 10% they go for it too..
ReplyDeleteThere are at least 2 new methods for drilling that don't involve Water at all, and one that involves very little.. so what is the issue?
democrats are holding my tax refund,raising my property taxes, taxing my soda, taking money away from my childrens schools and my parents healthcare AND on top of that these nyc politicians want to prevent gas drilling on MY land?????
ReplyDeleteI don't want to pollute anybody's water or contaminate the air, we can do this safely and bring billions of dollars to western NY.
SAFE drilling now!!!
thank you for your efforts. There is nothing natural about blasting rock bed apart, 2 miles under the earth's surface. We ar eliving with a nightmare in Dimock Pa already and for those of you who do not want to realize the dangers of gas drilling, come on out to Dimcock; ruined water wells, endless noise and truck traffic, ruined roads and fields; all so a handful of people can make money . It is a terrible tragedy.
ReplyDeleteDrill Baby Drill, Sullivan County owns almost 2,000 acres of land X $5,000 front monies equals $10,000,000. Can anyone living in this county say no to gas drilling? If they say no, they are idiots!
ReplyDeleteDrilling in the southern tier will change a depressed area. It will jobs,tax money, hope back to the people of NYS.
ReplyDeleteI believe this entire political "sham" is such an egregious "taking" of my and my neighbor's property rights that action should be taken against the State. The obstructionists, including Sheldon Silver, have not presented one credible piece of evidence that any danger is posed to the environment by drilling, and it's being done all over the US. There is simply no excuse for the delay when NY already has the most restrictive regulations of any state in the nation. People in the timber and stone businesses are losing their businesses and incomes while politicians who obviously don't care continue this charade. To think this needless delay could be taking place during one of the worst recessions on record shows a total lack of regard for our area by the the environmental radicals and NYC politicians. NYC came up here to get our water since we obviously took care of the environment in order to produce such good water, now they're going to tell us what we need to do to protect the environment. What a joke! We are being laughed at by residents of other states for this nonsense, but, frankly, I don't think it's funny. Environmental nonsense is ruining this country! We can't even recover our own resources because of it, and would rather send our money to or enemies. This country is turning into a bunch of wimps and whiners, and someone had better wake up before it's too late.
ReplyDeletePart of testimony to DEC from a NY town supervisor who has lived the experience of drilling:
ReplyDeleteMy office has also been deluged with complaints ranging from trespass, seismic trespass, unethical leasing practices, compulsory integration concerns, allegations of illegal spacing units, two gas well rig fires in 2009, significant road impacts that dwarfed our small town's road repair budget, a lack of prior notification to both landowners and town officials, inconsistent and spotty practices by gas well developers and their various contractors, concerns about impact to water sources and water aquifers, questions as to the ethical practices of natural gas developers, communication concerns related to collaboration between various state agencies and federal regulatory agencies, and questions about the current system of reporting fuel production.
The comment above is correct "There is nothing natural about blasting rock bed apart, 2 miles under the earth's surface". They are living with a nightmare in Dimock Pa already and for those of you who do not want to realize the dangers of gas drilling, go on out to Dimcock; ruined water wells, endless noise and truck traffic, ruined roads and fields; all so a handful of people can make money . It is a terrible tragedy.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you do not want to read/hear this - but - I live on 5 acres of land with a pristine, 196 ft. deep artisian well for our family water - this is clean, cold water that comes bubbling up out of the ground folks - a wonder. Now, what happens if our neighbors decide to let the gas co. drill and frack for Natural Gas ? Who is going to replace our well water when their fracking disrupts the ground water? We will be left with the problem - and what about our other neighbors who have the same problems? I don't think the gas co's will do it exactly on purpose - but when the problem happens - all we will hear is - maybe - oh, we are sorry - and there will be no solution to our problem and we won't be able to live on our land with out a well or sell our home and property - which we do not want to do. We love living upstate on our small piece of land with our gardens - on a back road. This is our retirement plan - we have worked hard, like many of our neighbors, lived here most of our lives, payed our bills and taxes and mortgages. Almost ready to retire and now this is hovering over our heads to destroy what the financial meltdown has not. Plenty of us never had a whole lot of money after paying our bills etc. to invest in stocks and bonds - we just doggedly pay our bills and protect our property while we try to do no harm.
STOP - and think. We need to correct many problems in the country of ours. We need to do with a bit less, waste a lot less, use solar and wind power to excess. We each need to turn down the thermostats, turn off the lights when we leave a room - not turn the lights on when we don't need them. We need to stop getting the the car when we don't absolutely need to - combine trips. Read books, less TV, more gardening or walking or playing outside for exercise. We need to drink more water, less soda - we need to refill our glass or metal water bottles - and take care of ourselves and our property. Stop being wasteful first of all and please consider all of these things before we consider taking the considerable chance of destroying our beautiful, healthy, upstate NY environment. More jobs can be had by increasing Solar and Wind generated power. Did you know that Germany is the largest user of Solar energy and they have a whole lot less sunshine than we do in NY. But, they know something that a lot of us don't - you need to be conscious of what you are doing (energy wise) you can't be wasteful, you have to be thoughtful and you have to make conscious decisions. We need to stop being lazy folks. It is time to use our brains and think about what we are doing. Use less and be aware that our environment is really a closed system - what we choose to do is not going to go away. Because we toss the plastic bottle/ bags in the garbage does not make them go away - they are piling up folks and they will come back to us in not so nice ways later. If not us, then our children and grandchildren will be blaming us for our wasteful habits.
It is not Natural to frack for under ground gas. It will disrupt whatever is in the ground. It will kill or disrupt what lives in the ground around it. Because we can do it does NOT mean we should do it.
I think that DEC had done one whale of a job trying to answer all sides of natural gas drilling issues in NY state. It is now time to start issuing permits on an incremental basis. Start in the rural areas and monitor the whole process carefully. I have studied horizontal drilling process and visited drill sites in Penna and Alberta,Canada where horizontal drilling is being done. I came away feeling, if done per specs, it is a very, very safe process.
ReplyDeleteWe need the revenue,jobs,foreign independence, bridge energy (Natural Gas)to renewable energy ie solar,wind,geothermal,nuclear which has one-half the carbon footprint of coal.We need NY state to get going before energy companies walk away from NY. Another possibility for expanding natural gas consumption is Liquified Natural Gas(LNG)for vehicle use. It will cut polution as well. Lets get started on a measured basis by issuing permits now!!! Gordon Rockefeller, Vestal,NY
Tom,
ReplyDeleteI am terribly dismayed that you seem to be supporting a policy of one dollar one vote. Citizens with large tracts of land (wherein there might be natural gas) will undoubtedly have the potential to reap huge financial rewards and also gain the ability to simply move away from any long term effects of hydrofracking.
I would challenge anyone coming here to this site to ask a series of critical questions of you and the drilling companies;
1. Where will the workers that make and operate these wells come from? - It seems in the case of many other locals these workers were shipped in, and not hired organically at the local level where the drilling is occurring.
2. So how do non-local workers add to the long term success of our communities?
3. Those that stand to make the most profits from this en devour - what incentive will there be for them to stay here in NY and add to the long term success of our communities? - if we bless off as a state and in our communities how do we know they won't just take the money and run - and who is going to stop them?...I have my doubts about a Senator that sponsors a pro drilling site.
4. Why is NYC so concerned about drilling in their watershed - what do they know that we do not?..what are they concerned about that we should consider?
5. Why aren't these companies covered by the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, or the Superfund law - and why isn't this a concern for Senator Libous?
6. And in the light of the disaster in the gulf where are our brave Senators to yell “drill here drill now!” – were so easy as to just know what misfortunes will befall us if we allow this drilling.
We have had alternative energy technologies available to us since the 70s; unfortunately we have not had the leadership at the state level during any of that time.
I want to thank you for sending such a hackneyed
tele-marketed, blanket phone message to me. I look forward to now joining this fray; the bee's nest has been rattled.
And finally for you William H Hall (see the post above)...perhaps you need to consider the idea that property rights of one person shouldn't supersede the property rights of another. If I wanted to dump toxic oil by the hundreds of gallons onto my lawn right by your house I don't think you would believe that your protests were simply quaintly obstructionist.
After 25 years building a farm and business in rural Binghamton, we are tired, overtaxed and have been trying to sell our property in order to retire. Sadly, the only interested buyers are out of state speculators. If the SEGIS report comes out soon, we will be able to hire enough help to keep the farm the beautiful haven for people and horses that it is. We have a land protective lease with Fortuna and are confident that with all the regulations, drilling can be done safely. We cannot wait much longer, however, nor can several of our neighbors who are about to lose the farms that have been in their families for generations because they cannot pay their exorbitant taxes.
ReplyDeleteThe people offering to buy our farm have never even seen it, live out of state, and are only interested in profit. They will not keep the animals, maintain the fences, fields or buildings. Within 6 months, I believe this farm will be nothing but overgrown scrub and falling down outbuildings. The profit from the land will not go back into the land as it would with us, but instead will go into out of state pockets of the already rich farm raiders (the new corporate raiders) It breaks my heart, but we are no longer young and cannot hold out much longer.
It makes no sense that Senator Addabbo or Speaker Silver can literally cut the potential resources of upstate New York with no credible/factual support that I can find. Drilling is safe if one looks at all the facts. The EPA looked at the fracking process 2-3 years ago and came away with NO unsafe conditions found. Why do these civil servants continue to resist common sense???
ReplyDeleteDrilling is safe and needed now. Help our impoverished area once again become the Parlor City and a land of opportunity.
ReplyDeleteSeveral items need to be carefully considered before drilling can even be considered.
ReplyDelete1) Gas migration. New York State has a unique geology that includes many fissures in the shale rock. Drillers could inadvertently hit a fissure while drilling and natural gas, primarily methane could seep to the surface and cause an explosion.
2) Disposal of waste water. Presently there is nowhere to take the wastewater from drilling. Will the citizens of Upstate New York have to pay for an expensive new wastewater treatment plant to be built and have higher taxes so a few citizens can get rich?
3) Blow out preventer valves. In light of the Gulf of Mexico disaster and the recent blow out in PA, we need to research this issue before drilling proceeds. We don't need a Gulf of Mexico disaster in Upstate New York of the natural gas variety.
4) Cement casings. We need to make sure all companies use the intermediate casings. I understand that some companies do not and this could lead to more gas migration to the surface and potential of more explosions.
We are not ready for this new type of horizontal drilling in New York's geology until we have tested every aspect to make sure we do not turn into the next Dimock, Pa.
What a shame it would be if we missed this opportunity to drill for natural gas to help turn things around in this state. This state is in REAL trouble. I wonder if there would be this much opposition to natural gas drilling if more people stood to profit from it? It seems to me that a large percentage (maybe even a majority) of those opposed do not even live anywhere near where drilling may occur. It would be great if everyone in NYS could get a check from natural gas drilling, but, unfortunately this is not the case. HOWEVER, many people and communities will directly benefit from natural gas drilling. There are so many "spin off" benefits from this, too many to mention here. Folks just need to think about this.
ReplyDeleteI can not understand what the anti drilling people mean when they say that the economic benefit is not as great as many project. I also find it offensive when they say or imply that drilling employees lead to higher crime rates in the communities that they work. These folks have just as much right to be in our communities as we do. Where do you think they spend their money while in our towns?
Where do these "anti's" come off by claiming to have all the CORRECT facts when there are many pro drilling scientists and other technical people who say that drilling is safe?
Sen. Libous, please do all you can to see that this opportunity is not squandered away.
Fracking is too dangerous. Please, let's not find this out after it's too late. When this wonderful rural countryside is poisoned for generations.
ReplyDeleteFarmers are having to put down whole herds because of toxic chemical poisoning.
Who is going to help me when my well is poisoned and the gas co won't take responsiblity? Who is going to help me when I can't sell my property because banks won't lend to borrowers wanting to buy gas leased land or land adjacent to leased land.
What is the town going to do when so many homeowners abandon poisoned properties that their tax revenues drop to dangerous levels.
These are not the ravings of my over-active imagination.
THIS IS HAPPENING NOW IN PA!!
If you support fracking without the proper testing being done before, then you are just another morally bankrupt politician for sale.
ReplyDeleteJust found out that the State Senate, at midnight last night, overwhelmingly voted to impose a legislative moratorium — on top of the still-dragging, now-two-year-old administrative moratorium.
ReplyDeleteTo me, this just shows all of us here in New York who is the real David, and who is the real Goliath. Score one for the Green Giant, and for the persuasiveness of anecdote, mythology, fear, and outright intentional dishonesty.
I see that Sen. Tom voted in the defeated minority, but how are such cooler heads ever going to get this turned around after May 2011?
I thought Tom did a great job fighting the bill. I just wish the new yorkcity democrats were as reasonable as him...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD_aJW2lb1c
What are we waiting for? Let's go!! Let's eliminate our countries dependence on foreign energy!
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely for safe drilling, it will be a boon to our depressed area.
ReplyDeleteLike it or not drilling is on it's way. Lets get it done safe and smart with a slow start. Three years should have been long enough for the DEC, don't we have any competent Hydrologists in NYS or the U.S.? Billions on the line failing farms a county (Broome) that steals gas rights on foreclosed property, it all seams pretty pathetic to me, disfunctional government at its best. Welcome all to upstate N.Y.
ReplyDeleteFinally things are starting to move, Thanks Tom, keep up the good work! The sooner the SGEIS is finalized the better.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding !!! Great job to all those that have worked so hard for safe drilling. We have the facts on our side. Thanks again Tom for your hard work.
ReplyDeleteThanks Senator for taking on this issue so that New York might have economic relief and help our country to become self-sustaining and independent using our clean, natural resources. New York is #50 in freedom and #1 in high taxes, regulation and residents migrating to other states. We need natural gas drilling and fracking is the key to safe, clean, dependable extraction, as outlined in the documentary, "Gas Odyssey".
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom,for your support of gas drilling.I trust the DEC,the people who really know what's involved in hydrofracking.I'm tired of having the anti drilling putting out down right lies to promote their agenda.It's time to give the landowners the right to develop their land,their mineral rights.The benefits are great,jobs and economics of drilling will have for all of us.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Bob Seymour and I am a land owner/taxpayer. I whole-heartedly support drilling in New York. I believe that it can and will be done safely because of the DEC's rigid regulations. The sooner it begins the better for the whole state, including the pinheads that have spread the propaganda against it. There have been big problems and damage caused by some gas company shortcuts and they will need to be watched closly but the fact is that this state can not afford to wait for "ideal" conditions that do not exist in ANY industry. There are risks that are taken everyday by everyone but we must not be controlled by the fear and uncertainty that comes with everyday life any more than we can the risks of producing the energy that can potentially free the country from energy dependance on foriegn countries that would like very much to see us fail.
ReplyDeleteI am against hydrofracking and do not believe it can be done safely, while gas/oil companies are exempt from important regulations such as The Clean Water Act, The Clean Air Act, and The Safe Drinking Water Act. I ecourage you to take a tour of Pennsylvania where they are drilling now, to see first hand the dangers and destruction of hydrofracking. Senator Greg Ball and Josh Fox (Gasland) are encouraging Governor Cuomo, as well as anyone interested in hydrofracking to see first hand the devastating results of this practice, and you can meet the people being effected. How can anyone say this can be done safely, without direct knowledge of its effects right now in the neighboring state of Pennsylvania? Please, I urge you to take the short trip to Pennsylvania, so you are aware of what protections need to be in place BEFORE any drilling can occur in New York State!!!!
ReplyDeleteNice to see you're looking out for the economies of Texas and Oklahoma, Tom. I've seen a lot of those license plates crawling around PA for a while now, and a lot of people in PA still without the the jobs they were promised. I can understand, though, the drought this summer hit Texas pretty hard, and they couldn't suck up all their water to use for drilling fast enough, unfortunately for the farmers there. I'd love to see who's been giving you contributions, if you're feeling generous. Unless they don't want their company names public.
ReplyDeleteHow about you do something truly good for the Southern Tier: Invest in green jobs. Solar and Wind energy can't be piped down to the ports in NYC (You know, those guys you told to stay out of the debate because they had nothing to do with the gas drilling) to be sent out overseas, it's really going to solve our energy crisis that way. Solar and wind would create jobs in construction and maintenance, and even manufacturing, all without making our water explosive. And the jobs would stay here.
Who are you work for Tom, the Southern Tier, or Chesapeake Oil and Gas?
Dear Senator Libous,
ReplyDeleteWhile I appreciate the sentament that DEC regulators will protect the watershed from the 7000 foot drilling and high pressure injection of millions of gallions of toxic chemicals and desiel fluid. I quesion the practical application of this. How many DEC regulators will have to be hired? How many are there currently for the entire state?
Our neighbors burn trash weekly, this has been proven to be toxic. It is illegal in NYS, and in our county. We have called the DEC on several instinces. We have never been called back or recieved a visit in more than 5 years. Yesterday my son was searching for his pet rabbit and noticed that the neighbor has a new burn pile, full of styro-foam and plastic bags, further back on his property line.
It does not seem like there are enoough DEC officers to handle these important complaints. How will the DEC have enough agents to investigate the thousands of gas wells that are planned?
Who will regulate the trucks and traffic? I have seen fracking fluied being video taped and dumped along the highway. Heck in many areas it is used as Brine on highways and parks. Incredible that this toxic waste is being used where we drive and our families play. In the flood it was washed away down stream, not a pretty picture for PA.
I have friends in Pennsylvania who's well have been contaminated. Another friend shared an email about her friend whose daughter lives near a gas well site and was exposed to plutonium and uranium posioing. I do not want this for my children. We love our fresh water and cannot imagine life without plenty.
I know the money is huge, it is a boom and bust, some will boom and make much money, then it will bust and the rest of us, those loyal to proteting the aquafir for everyone, will be left dry and doomed.
If you are positive that the neargby frackig that you say is planned for early next year is safe, then please send our family the $300-800 it will cost to test our water beforet he drilling begins! This is a cost that we are currently facing as a restult of the potential fracking. BTW can you please tell me if the increased traffic and gas and work trucks I see in my town-Hector are an indication that hydrofracking action is happening, for future fracking?
Think about sustainability and doing the right thing for future generations. Without Fresh Water what do we have? How can we farm? Raise our children?
Water is Precious- if you contaminate the aquifir you can not make it right, or fix it. You cannot buy a new one. It will be gone forever, for everyone!
And for what? Cheap gas sold to China or the Middle East, only to be sold back to us in the future for an enormous price? Is this worth any amont of money from Exxon?
Blessings with love from,
PrayPeoplePray
~~we need Gods help on this one~~
Please leave the gas in the earth. Put our resources into renewable and sustainable fuels, industies and jobs. Time to invest in the future.