The Frackers are closing in on New York State - time to act

WATKINS GLEN, New York, USA - New York State residents are expecting word from the Governor's office almost any day about whether he will move ahead and allow hydrofracking for natural gas in New York.

Hydrofracking site

If he does, New York can kiss its clean water goodbye, as well as get ready for an environmental assault that could seriously damage - if not kill - much of the growing tourist industry around the Finger Lakes.

Nothing like have a concrete natural gas well pad, industrial equipment, the smell of methane and chemicals - or a flaring gas stack - within sight of a winery where you are tasting the latest Seyval offerings.

I have been reading entreaties from activists all over the state, urging people to send a message to our governor, Andrew Cuomo, to tell him not to allow hydrofracking.

Andrew Cuomo

And so today, I got off my duff and wrote the governor. It's rumored he is courting the natural gas industry because he thinks their big bucks will help him get elected president in 2016. If he approves fracking in New York State, he won't have my vote or support for anything.

I'm still miffed that he won't support the sale of wine in grocery stores, because he owes too many political chits to the liquor lobby.


Here's the letter I sent to the Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor today:

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3 August 2012

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo:

I am writing to you today to urge that you NOT approve of any hydrofracking in the State of New York – even what might be considered small test sites.

I have been studying, writing and publishing about hydrofracking since 2005 and my conclusion is this: Hydrofracking cannot be done safely and is a clear and present threat to public health, the environment, and the economy.

Yes, the economy.

The natural gas companies that have promoted the gas-rush fever have built their entire program on faulty financial data and projections (perhaps deliberately) as most of the companies are more interested in investment and profits than actual production of natural gas. That house of cards will collapse. And when it does, I do not want New York State to be left with polluted waters, an abandoned industrial wasteland and a public health nightmare.

Far better for New York State to be a state that still has clean water, a solid tourist industry and healthy people.

It’s doubtful in future years that people will be flocking to the Barnett Shale area in Texas to vacation, or even many of the hydrofracking hot spots in Pennsylvania and Ohio where once beautiful tourist vistas have been turned into something that looks like a movie set from one of Mel Gibson’s Mad Max movies.

I urge you to resist the temptations of allowing hydrofracking, no matter how much is being offered by the powers behind it. The road to re-election, and perhaps to higher office, lies with the people who elected you in the first place.

If John McCain had stood by his principles, he would likely be President of the United States today.

Sincerely

Michael J. Fitzgerald, president

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Watkins Glen, NY, Arroyo Seco, Jalisco, Mexico

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