Natural Gas drilling moratorium in New York State...........Catskill Mountainkeeper weighs in on the chances of stopping drilling from happening in NYS.........what a fight this is going to be with the classic jobs and revenue positioning by industry versus the quality of drinking water and health of the land positioning by citizen groups and environmentalists...................we root for the land to prevail unblemished!

In a stunning development late last night, the New York State Assembly voted 93-43to pass a temporary moratorium on gas drilling using high volume hydraulic fracturing until May 15, 2011. This bill (A11443B/S08129B) was previously approved by the Senate last summer. It is expected to be signed into law by Governor Paterson. Last week the Governor said in a radio interview in reference to fracking that "even with the
tremendous revenues it would bring in, we're not going to risk public safety or water
quality".
This is unquestionably a big step forward for us, and for all those who are vitallyconcerned about fracking's substantial risks to our water, air and health. It clearly shows the power of what grassroots organizations like Catskill Mountainkeeper can do against powerful deep-pocketed forces such as the oil and gas industry.
BUT, this is only one step in a very long and hard fight. The moratorium will expire inMay 2011. Between now and then the gas industry and their pro-gas allies are going to roll out their incredible resources to try and change the minds of legislators, the public and the government.We can count on seeing a blanket attack including pro-drilling advertising, publicity,
lobbying and serious backroom arm-twisting. We should not underestimate our
adversaries or the depth of their resources. This is still "a David vs. Goliath battle".
This fight will get much bigger and more intense before it is over. The choice isextremely clear. We and all who understand what the science and the on-the-groundexperience tells us about the potential severe health, environmentaland socialconsequences of fracking, have to come together to push back with everything we've got.
We have gotten as far as we have because you and thousands upon thousands of other area residents have spoken up time and again. Now is the time to turn up the volume. Call Governor Paterson today at 518-474-8390 and tell him that you want him to sign the moratorium bill into law.
And you will be hearing from us very shortly about how you can help by:
· Asking Governor Elect Cuomo to declare his position as quickly as possible on all the risks and threats facing the people and the environment of NY State if fracking is allowed to commence as planned by the DEC.
· Petitioning the State Legislature to extend the moratorium until the EPA study on the effects of fracking is completed in 2012.
· Telling President Obama that he shouldn't allow fracking until it can be done safely