Rochester, N.Y. - Next week is the deadline for the state to make a decision about hydrofracking, but hundreds of elected officials are asking Governor Cuomo for more time.
“I'm a strong advocate in creating jobs, employment, and economic opportunities,” said Rochester City Council Member Loretta Scott. “Hydrofracking is reported by many to offer those precise outcomes. The question is though, at what cost? The problem is there remains far too many unanswered questions.”
Elected officials from across the state want those questions answered before any decision about fracking is made.
These officials are asking for three specific studies: the cumulative impacts of fracking across the state, public health impacts and the costs of fracking.
“The state has not done a sufficient review of the negative socioeconomic impacts of fracking,” said Town of Caroline Deputy Supervisor Dominic Frongillo.
“What we don't want is to look back and say there was an unintended consequence because we weren't careful at the front end,” said Rochester City Council Member Elaine Spaull.
Over a year ago the DEC commissioner acknowledged the state's economic analysis was inadequate, but even with the deadline around the corner this has not been addressed.
“I think there are too many unanswered questions as to what the impact of this will do on our drinking water,” said Rochester City Council Member Matt Haag, “Most importantly, or equally important, the jobs that relay on the safe water, air and land that NYS has prided itself on.”
“We've heard from our residents overwhelmingly, their opposition to hydrofracking and any insularly activities,” said Brighton Town Supervisor William Moehle.
Brighton residents, like Dwain Wilder, was grateful to see his town's elected officials concerned about fracking.
"We need to do everything we can to get the ear of the administration of the government the regulators of DEC point out the problems with their proposal,” said Wilder.
The elected officials are also calling on Governor Cuomo to share the state's health review on fracking, which was conducted, but has not been made public.
