DEC Releases New Proposed Fracking Regulations
The Department of Environmental Conservation released new proposed hydraulic fracturing regulations today. The public comment period starts on Dec. 12 but reactions to them have already started to pour in. The DEC has said it won't take any final action until DEC Commissioner Niravh Shah completes his planned health review of fracking but advocates aren't happy that these proposed regulations have been released before the health study has been completed.
The New York Water Rangers issued this statement:
"The Cuomo administration's decision to propose revised fracking regulations undermines the governor's oft-stated promise to let the science drive his decision-making process.
By issuing revised rules before the Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH), and their outside experts, have had the chance to undertake a comprehensive review of fracking's consequences, the governor and his staff are signaling that it is not important to understand the public health impacts from fracking. But this knowledge is critical, and must be used to shape regulations and ultimately determine whether or not to permit fracking in New York State.
Millions of New Yorkers who could bear the burden of unknown consequences have been left in the dark.
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