Editor’s Note: The flowing is attributable to Brad Gill, executive director of the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York, in response to today’s news conference outside the Senate chamber.
“Today’s news conference to support proposed moratorium legislation is another example of the reckless disregard for the facts that ill-informed and dishonest opponents continue to put forth as they attempt to block the safe exploration of natural gas and economic recovery in New York.
New York is already under a two-plus year moratorium to explore the Marcellus Shale. Another moratorium is simply unnecessary, and would be an example of shortsightedness in an election year. The Department of Environmental Conservation will not issue a permit to drill until it completes the Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement. It should be allowed to continue its work and publish its findings without unnecessary interference by environmental groups attempting to create fear.
When I speak to business groups, struggling landowners, economic development professionals, and especially the scientists and geologists and operators who understand the technologies involved in extracting natural gas, it is absolutely clear that we can harvest this abundant natural resource safely and efficiently, benefiting our communities and our state.”
