SEWARD SPONSORS WATER PROTECTION BILL
ONEONTA ( WBNG Binghamton) State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) is sponsoring legislation that would provide added environmental protection in regard to natural gas drilling.
“As the Department of Environmental Conservation continues the process of developing new regulations regarding natural gas drilling, one of the top concerns is water supply protection,” said Senator Seward. “Many have expressed their feelings on this particular item and I too feel we must ensure that one of our most precious and essential resources, our water supply, is properly safeguarded.
Senate bill 6269 would allow the commissioner of the DEC to require any permit holder who is authorized to drill gas wells to post a bond with the state comptroller. The bond, an insurance policy, would then be available to defray the cost of repairing damage to a water supply.
“Gas exploration historically has been rather safe in New York, but it makes perfect sense to demonstrate continued vigilance in this matter,” Seward added. “This bill would establish accountability and responsibility on the part of gas drilling companies.”
The draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) addressing horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing to develop the Marcellus Shale is now available for public comment. Senator Seward successfully advocated for an extended comment period which is scheduled to close on December 31, 2009.
“No question-- the financial gains associated with natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale could be significant. In addition, the rewards of a domestic energy supply we don’t obtain from unfriendly countries could be beneficial for generations to come. But with all of that, we must ensure that the utmost consideration is given to protecting our environment as we move forward in capturing the benefits of this valuable natural resource,” Seward concluded.
The complete draft SGEIS, along with information on how to submit a comment to the DEC is available on-line at www.senatorjimseward.com.
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