Senators Hear Hydrofracking Testimony at Katonah Library

On Tuesday morning, Senator Greg Ball hosted a hearing at the Katonah library on hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking. Here’s a quick look at what happened.

• Senator Greg Ball hosted the hearing and Senators Liz Kreuger and Andrea-Stewart Cousins were both on hand to listen to the testimony.

• Before the hearing began, several people were standing outside of the library holding signs that read “No frackin’ way” and  “Don’t frack with our water.”

• “Hydrofracking,’ as the practice is known, involves blasting millions of gallons of water, sand and chemicals deep into rock formations, releasing the gas trapped inside,” wrote contributor Dan Wiessner in an article for Patch earlier this summer. “The method has been assailed by environmentalists nationwide for its potential to leak toxic chemicals into local water supplies. But proponents say hydrofracking is safe, and allowing it in New York would create tens of thousands of jobs, drum up revenue in cash-strapped upstate communities, and potentially decrease utility costs for many New Yorkers.” Click to read the whole piece, including where the state currently stands on the issue. 

• There was a large turnout for the event, with people standing both at the back of the room and in the hallway.

• Ball noted that those from the gas industry had been invited to the hearing, but did not attend. To that end, Stewart-Cousins said, “When we come to a hearing like this and the side saying it’s a win-win isn’t represented, it’s a missed opportunity…”

• About 15 people testified before the senators, including a pediatrician and an economist, among others. Those testifying brought up numerous topics, including what they say would be the negative effects hydrofracking would have on water, tourism, fish and wildlife, health and more.

• Several people from Pennsylvania, where hydrofracking is currently allowed, discussed the negative impact the drilling has had on their lives. “In every direction from my home, families are living on bottled or replacement water. A few have accepted treatment systems,” she said, showing an example of a bottle with water that had been treated. “Most of them, if not all are still drinking bottled water.” To see short a short snippet from her testimony and photos, click on the photos to the right of this article.

• Josh Fox, who directed Gasland, the Oscar nominated documentary film on hydrofacking and with whom Senator Ball traveled to Pennsylvania earlier this year, also spoke, submitting both the film and a flash drive of documents to the public record.

• Natalie Brant, who lives in Springville, NY also addresed the senators and showed a video depicting the water from her house catching on fire. You can view the video here. 

• Some of those who spoke, such as Katy Dunlap of Trout Unlimited, indicated that they support extending the comment period on New York’s stance on hydrofracking from the current 60 days to 180 days. And others indicated the importance of talking about the issue. “Forums between business experts, environmental groups, the public and legislators are vital in fostering the dialogue that is so critical in preventing hydrofracking in New York State from going forward unless it is proved safe beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Paul Gallay from Riverkeeper in a release from the event.

• Audience members did not speak at the hearing. 

• Other speakers included Adrienne Esposito from Citizens Campaign for the Environment, James Northrup who called himself “maybe the closest thing you’re going to get to an industry expert,” Claire Sandberg from Frack Action, Paul Galley from Riverkeeper and Bruce Ferguson of Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy.

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