Hydro-Fracturing Bill Advancing Through NYS Assembly

A new bill is moving through the the New York State Assembly that would put a temporary hold on permits for controversial hydraulic fracturing in the Catskill region.

The bill, entitled Assembly Bill A10490A would hold off any new permits for hydraulic fracturing for natural gas or oil in New York State until 120 days after the Federal Environmental Protection Agency issues a report on possible contamination and health issues. If passed, the new law would not affect permits that have already been approved.

The bill has not been voted on at this point, but Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli (R, C, I – Goldens Bridge), who represents Harrison and other surrounding towns, applauded the advancement of the bill on June 3.

"Environmentally conscientious citizens in the Westchester area are already on alert today after an environmental disaster in White Plains that went undetected for hours as hundreds of gallons of oil leaked into the Bronx River from a White Plains Apartment building," Castelli said at the time. "This tragic incident, and the current oil spill catastrophe in the Gulf clearly illustrate the need for prudence when extracting oil and gas."

The Assembly could repeal the moratorium after the designated amount of time, provided the commissioner of environmental conservation notifies the drafting commission of the report. It is designed, according to the bill, "to afford the state and its residents the opportunity to review a report."

Castelli, who co-sponsored the bill, said that it will give both state and federal agencies more time to evaluate the possible dangers the increased drilling could cause to water and other natural resources.

"A hydro-fracking disaster of similar proportions to the tragedy in the Gulf occurring in the New York City watershed region has the potential to destroy Westchester's fresh water supply permanently," Castelli said. "This legislation will give the EPA the time it needs to fully review the hydro-fracturing techniques to determine whether or not this type of mining should be permitted in New York State."

Hydraulic fracturing is a method of fracturing rock that contains natural gas and injecting fresh water and chemicals that maximize natural gas output in that rock. The process takes place thousands of feet below the ground and has been used in Ohio, Pennsylvania and other areas of New York as a way to create jobs and extract natural gas in those areas.  

But safety concerns have been discussed. Some people who live near areas of hydraulic fracturing in other states have reported problems with drinking water after the process has begun. Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh said earlier this spring that since Harrison receives its water from the Catskills, she views the fracturing as a safety concern for the town.

Walsh said on Tuesday that she has not read about the bill yet, but is monitoring the situation and the town still stands against any increased hydraulic fracturing near the New York City watershed.

"I just don't think it is a responsible thing to do near our watershed," she said.