Posted 5/8/12- Vermont bans fracking, 103 NY towns also act
Hydraulic Fracturing Tuesday, May 8th, 2012On Friday, the Vermont House of Representatives voted 103-36 to ban hydrofracking. They also voted to bar the toxic flowback from hydrofracking from being imported into the state for “treatment” or disposal -interpreted by some as a signal to New York that if it allows fracking it will not be permitted to use Vermont as a dumping ground for wastewater.
To date, approximately 103 municipalities in NY State have voted for moratoria or outright bans on fracking, fearing that the State will not act to protect its citizens (The City of Beacon in Dutchess County being the latest, passing a ban last evening).
The Center for Sustainable Rural Communities (CSRC) urges all towns and villages in NY to act quickly to either pass moratoria or bans on the reckless practice of hydrofracking before permits are issued. Once permits are issued, it will become much more difficult, if not impossible, for towns and villages to protect the health, safety, quality of life and property values of their residents from the impacts of gas drilling.
The CSRC can provide assistance to municipalities in NY State considering a comprehensive review of their land use regulations with the goal of protecting its residents from hydrofracking. The CSRC will also provide assistance and resources tor citizen’s groups advocating for proactive measures to address the impacts of hydrofracking.
