Contact: Michael Fraser, (518) 455-3751
"Today's vote is another troubling illustration of legislative priorities that are based on ceremony, rather than substance. The state's own public health and environmental experts have yet to complete a full hydrofracking analysis, on which Governor Cuomo will base his final determination. The Majority's moratorium is a one-house bill, passed without a final review from DOH and DEC, and is a waste of taxpayer resources.
We all recognize the importance and value of keeping our waters safe and our natural resources protected. However, environmental protection and economic development are not mutually exclusive activities. The grandstanding of today's vote is troubling. But equally as disturbing is the Majority's haste to enact a measure that inhibits energy independence, economic prosperity and essential job creation - areas where we SHOULD be dedicating our time and resources."