An issue not on the radar in New York and especially New York City should start getting a lot of press. With the economic climate as sour as it is, Governor Paterson and other Empire State leaders are looking at alternate revenue streams. Unfortunately, not all of those monetary possibilities are too smart or safe.
From The NY Times:
There is the utterly fortuitous prospect of a lucrative gas boom coming at a time when New York is desperate for new revenue, and upstate is equally desperate for new economic activity.
There is the national energy crunch to push for domestic exploration. There is the eternal conflict between upstate and downstate over water issues and land rights. There are conflicting instincts among landowners: hope of winning the gas lottery versus fear about the consequences for the environment and on the quality of life in their communities.
Industry officials, who have largely kept a low profile, say that they welcome state oversight and that the industry has a track record of being environmentally responsible. But they also warn that a drilling moratorium or undue regulation could discourage production.
“New York has to be careful how it deals with these issues so it doesn’t send a negative signal to the industry that chills the interest in the play in New York State,” said Tom West, an Albany lawyer who represents several gas companies. “These companies have limited investment dollars, and they’re going to invest them where the natural gas opportunities exist and where there’s a regulatory climate that promotes it.”
Natural gas is a finite resource and in the time of soaring gas prices, new areas are being voraciously sought so that the material that makes our petro-economy go can be extracted and sold at market rates. The problem is that where Paterson and the oil/gas industry is looking is where much of New York City gets drinking water from. Sending a "negative signal to the industry" is fine by me as long as our water stays clean. New Yorkers take pride in having the best big-city water in the country and we are not about to lose that....and our health, at the expense of the oil and gas industry.
Thankfully, as the article points out, we have Councilman Gennaro on our side to fight against the industry and (for now) the short-sighted Governor.
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