Posted 2/22/12- Court rules in support of local ban on hydrofracking
Government, Hydraulic Fracturing Thursday, February 23rd, 2012New York Supreme Court Justice Phillip R. Rumsey ruled today in favor of the right of the Town of Dryden to adopt zoning that prohibits natural gas drilling within its borders in Tomkins County.
In the case of Anschutz Exploration Corporation v. the Town of Dryden and the Town of Dryden Town Board, the judge concluded that the town zoning ordinances is not preempted by the state Oil, Gas and Solution Mining Law.
This is the first ruling in New York on the issue as to whether towns can outlaw heavy industrial uses that including hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. Dozens of other towns have either adopted bans or moratoria or are actively considering such action.
Schoharie Valley Watch applauds this decision as an affirmation of every town’s right to protect the health, safety and quality of life of its residents in the face of the reckless practice of hydraulic fracturing.
A copy of the court decision can be found bt following this link: http://schoharievalleywatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Dryden-Ruling.pdf
