Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Senator Addabbo: Statement on Bill Being Passed To Halt Drilling In Upstate Watershed


NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., a co-sponsor of the Senate bill (S8129B) calling for a moratorium on hydrofracking, or drilling for natural gas reserves in the upstate watershed, today issued the following statement on the bill’s passage after being brought to the floor for a vote last night:

"I believe this bill, which provides for a nine-month moratorium, provides a rational, prudent approach to the practice of hydrofracking. This drilling process has possible short- and long-term health and safety implications and is the subject of a pending DEC report, which needs to be reviewed and evaluated. I look forward to working with the DEC on this issue as we seek to avoid any risks to our environment and personal safety. I thank my constituents for bringing this issue to my attention last year. I also want to thank the hundreds of residents across New York who signed petitions, wrote letters and attended rallies to show Albany that we needed hydrofracking legislation. Your voices were heard and together, we have taken the first step toward protecting our drinking water.