Your Public Land?

EcoWatch report too important to miss:   Public lands are OUR lands.  Public water is OUR water..........

New Fracking Rules Leave Drought-Ridden States High and Dry

NYLCV Really For Gas Development?

NY League of Conservation Voters - sounds good, right?  At first glances from the website you might think - gee, what a swell organization.  If you care about the economy and environment of NY state you might want to support them.    But ... beware the wolf in sheep's clothing particularly when it comes to keeping our state free from becoming another highly industrialized zone due to shale gas drilling.

Many page clicks into the website is the following page article [bold emphasis are my highlights]

ENSURE THAT REGULATIONS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING ARE FULLY PROTECTIVE OF NEW YORK’S NATURAL RESOURCES, HUMAN HEALTH AND SAFETY
    Ensure no high-volume hydraulic fracturing permits are issued until New York's regulations have been updated and are in full effect.
    Ensure that regulations are based on an adequate final generic environmental impact statement that addresses the risks and impacts associated with natural gas exploration and production using hydraulic fracturing and the management and disposal of wastes generated by those activities, and provide for a full public discussion of hydraulic fracturing's potential health impacts.
    Ensure that the regulations establish drill-free zones in identified environmentally sensitive or habitat-critical areas (including surface and groundwater watersheds) and in the areas surrounding such zones where drilling or associated hydraulic fracturing activities could adversely impact such environmentally sensitive or habitat-critical zones.
    Require any high-volume hydraulic fracturing waste waters that meet the definition of hazardous waste under state law and regulation are managed and disposed of as such.
    Pursue appropriate mitigation alternatives and measures and address the socio-economic and reasonable environmental concerns of the localities that will be impacted by hydraulic fracturing activities.
    Ensure that all agencies (particularly the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) have the staffing and resources needed to enforce the regulations and monitor compliance with permit conditions imposed on applicants, including those designed to ensure that the impacts of hydraulic fracturing are appropriately mitigated and the public's health and safety are protected.

Please note the very first line : Ensure no high-volume hydraulic fracturing permits are issued until New York's regulations have been updated and are in full effect.   What NYLCV seeks to do is have some groundwork so HVHF / fracking WILL COME to NY.   That is quite a different take than  investigating the pros and cons of bringing this industry into NY!  

Since the recent gala on the Pier demonstrates in plain view who many of the major financial supporters are ... aka the gas industry partners ... it is highly suspicious as to where NYLCV's true alliance lies:   Is it big money industrial supporters or to the citizens of NY and our environment?

Intensive industrialization creates pollution and that pollution knows no man-made regulatory boundaries!   Establishing "a regulation" will not protect citizens from a toxic environment should HVHF gas drilling commence in our state.  Once the milk is spilled it is spilled. 

We can't even fight for safe treatment of toxic waste water that meet the definition of hazardous waste under state law and regulation because long ago the industry politically maneuvered itself to be EXEMPT from federal definitions and protections under Clean Water and Clean Air Acts!  So waste is just industrial waste and that is a whole different classification of protection.

NYLCV does not even make a true statement on their About Page!

NYLCV is the only statewide environmental organization in New York that fights for clean water, clean air, renewable energy and open space through political action. We're non-partisan, pragmatic and effective

I guess they should take a look at the many organizations listed under the resources just on this blog alone!   If you start with lie, how can we believe the value of what you propose afterwards?

You cannot BE for the environment and growing a green sustainable economy and BE for shale gas drilling industrialization in NY.  They just don't mix and they never will.   The depths of issue are immense.

NYLCV - be true to your purpose and stop hiding the push for gas development in NY under a catchy name.

Another Congressional Hearing Outrage!

US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has just announced a series of forums and public hearings regarding our nation's direction in regards to the development of natural gas.  The following article is from the Committee's website.   Do you see what I see? - Take a look at the goal and then the attendees.

Dear American Fracktivist/Scientist/Health Professional - YOU are NOT invited!   
THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!

May 09 2013

Wyden, Murkowski Announce Diverse Group of Witnesses to Appear at Natural Gas Forums

Washington, D.C. – The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today announced a diverse group of natural gas producers, distributors, utilities, environmental groups, regulators, consumers and exporters who will share their perspectives on natural gas issues at a series of forums beginning next week. 

The committee is holding three public listening sessions over the next two weeks to gather information from stakeholders with an interest in ensuring federal policy evolves to take into account the new supplies of natural gas that have become accessible in recent years. The sessions will be held in a roundtable format to encourage open discussion and allow flexibility to find areas of agreement.

Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have pledged to approach the forums without a predetermined outcome or legislation in mind other than to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of the nation’s natural gas reserves. The series builds on a hearing looking at opportunities and challenges for natural gas that the committee held in February.
“You don’t often see representatives from natural gas drilling companies and chemical producers and conservation groups sit down at the same table in a public forum, but that’s exactly what we’re doing with these round tables,” Wyden said. “If we do this right, natural gas has the potential to lift up our country’s economy and pave the way to a future that has both more jobs and a cleaner environment with a smaller carbon footprint. Senator Murkowski and I want to hear from the people who deal with these issues every day about where there might be common ground on how to maximize the value of this vital resource.”
“Technological advances have allowed us to access vast quantities of natural gas not thought possible just a few years ago. This new energy source is a game changer for the United States, providing an abundant, affordable and clean source of energy to fuel our economy,” Murkowski said. “My interest in holding these roundtables is to ensure that the federal government is supporting, and not thwarting, responsible development of this resource, its transport to market and consumers for power generation and home heating, and its use in the manufacturing and transportation industries, as well as exports to our friends and allies. I look forward to hearing from all of these stakeholders about what’s working, what’s not, and what we can do better.”
A list of witnesses is below, and additional witnesses may be added.
May 14:  Infrastructure, Transportation, Research and Innovation

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission – representative to be announced
• CenterPoint Energy – Scott Prochazka, Executive Vice President/Chief  Operating Officer
• Cummins Westport Inc. – Jim Arthurs, President
• Drive Natural Gas Initiative – Dr. Kathryn Clay, Executive Director
• Freightliner Trucks – Robert Carrick, Sales Manager for Natural Gas
• Gas Processors Association – Richard Cargile, President of Midstream Energy Transfer Partners/Vice President of GPA
• General Electric Company – Steve Bolze, President/CEO, GE Power & Water
• ISO New England – Gordon van Welie, President/CEO
• Interstate Natural Gas Association of America – Donald Santa, Jr., President
• National Association of Convenience Stores – John Eichberger, Vice President of Government Relations
• Northwest Natural – Gregg Kantor, President/CEO
• Pacific Gas & Electric Company – Jesus Soto, Jr., Senior Vice President of Gas Transmission Operations
• UPS – Jim Bruce, Vice President of Corporate Public Affairs

May 21:  Domestic Supply and Exports

• Department of Energy – representative to be announced
• Energy Information Administration – Adam Sieminski, Administrator
• American Chemistry Council – Cal Dooley, President/CEO
• Cheniere Energy, Inc.– Pat Outtrim, Vice President of Governmental and Regulatory Affairs
• Charles Ebinger – Director of Foreign Policy, Energy Security Initiative
• Energy Policy Forum – Deborah Rogers, Founder
• Huntsman Corporation – Peter Huntsman, CEO
• ICF International – Harry Vidas, Vice President
• Industrial Energy Consumers Association – Paul Cicio, President
• The Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council– John Mohlis, Executive Secretary
• Sempra Energy – Octavio Simoes, Senior Vice President of Sempra International/President of Sempra LNG

May 23:  Shale Development – Environmental Protection and Best Practices

• Bureau of Land Management – representative to be announced
• Anadarko – Clay Bretches, Vice President of Marketing and Minerals
• Baker Hughes – Alan Crain, Senior Vice President/Chief Legal and Governance Officer
• Environmental Defense Fund – Mark Brownstein, Associate Vice President & Chief Counsel, US Climate and Energy Program
• EQT Corporation – David Porges, Chairman/President/CEO
• Halliburton – Marc Edwards, Senior Vice President of Completion and Production
• Natural Resources Defense Council – Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Land and Wildlife Program
• Noble Energy, Inc. – Charles Davidson, Chairman/CEO
• Sierra Club – Deb Nardone, Director, Beyond Natural Gas Campaign
• West Virginia Environmental Council – Don Garvin, Legislative Coordinator, and member, Board of Directors for STRONGER (State Review of Oil & Natural Gas Environmental Regulations), Inc.
• Texas Railroad Commission – Barry Smitherman, Chairman
• XTO Energy Inc. – Jack Williams, President

Permalink: http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2013/5/wyden-murkowski-announce-diverse-group-of-witnesses-to-appear-at-natural-gas-forums

Crossroads Rally in Albany June 17

New York is at a crossroads. In one direction: more ruinous dependency on dirty, dangerous fossil fuels. This path requires we blow apart the bedrock of our state and inject it with toxic chemicals. Providing only temporary, dangerous jobs, it leads to accidents, explosions, poisoned water, polluted air, contaminated food, public health disasters and climate catastrophe. This road chains us to the past and ransoms our children’s future.

 Running in the other direction is the road to renewable energy based on wind, water, and sunlight. This path leaves our communities unfractured and provides long-term, safe jobs to New Yorkers. This path creates an infrastructure that will not cost us the water we drink, the air we breathe or the health of our children. This path will make New York a leader in energy independence and, once more, a beacon of hope for the world. This path is the one we demand because our lives literally depend on it.

This is the moment to decide the course of history. 

On June 17th, people from every corner of NY State will gather at the State Capitol in Albany.  We will stand united to demand that Governor Cuomo reject fracking for shale gas and blaze a trail to a renewable energy economic future here and now in New York.  

We will demand freedom from dirty energy!

At this march and rally, the anti-fracking movement will, for the first time, join with business leaders, faith leaders, health professionals, elected officials, farmers, and youth to demand the renewable energy jobs that our families and communities want and deserve.

Governor Cuomo has said, "We will not allow the national paralysis over climate change to stop us from pursuing the necessary path for the future."

We agree. Here in New York, where we have watched our subways fill with seawater and witnessed Hurricanes Irene, Lee and Sandy wash away our communities, we now call on our governor to reject the climate-destroying practice of fracking for shale gas and take aggressive strides towards a 100% renewable energy economy.

Join us for this historic event as we rally in the East Capitol Lawn and march in the streets surrounding the Capitol building.

Buffalo/Rochester bus to Albany! Book your spot now: http://bit.ly/13lrGRY

What:    New York Crossroads: Rally to Stop Fracking and Demand Renewable Energy
When:   Monday, June 17th, 12pm-3pm
Where:  Rally and March in East Capitol Lawn, Albany, NY

Sponsored by New Yorkers Against Fracking, Food & Water Watch, Frack Action, Catskill Mountainkeeper, United for Action, NYPIRG, Citizens Environmental Coalition, Alliance for a Green Economy and many more to be announced!

Buffalo/Rochester bus to Albany! Book your spot now: http://act.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Calendar?id=104721&view=Detail  Other buses available from different regions of the state.

Post details compliments of Western NY Drilling Defense

Connecting Dots

Many authors have written about the importance of connecting the dots in regards to climate change, energy developments, agriculture, water, air quality and on and on.  It is an imperative need that we take heed to the concept.  The fight against HVHF is not a stand alone issue.  The food chain does not stand as a separate issue from energy production.  Storms and droughts are not a separate issue from big business.  Wall Street and corporate investments are not disconnected from the family farm.   It is all connected!

Organic Consumers Association just released an excellent article on this topic.  Give it a read!

Food, Farms, Forests and Fracking: Connecting the Dots

By Zack Kaldveer and Ronnie Cummins
Organic Consumers Association, May 9, 2013

The Downwinders

The article by Ellen Cantrow, May 2, is a must read:

Tomgram: Ellen Cantarow, Big Energy Means Big Pollution

Then act today ~ in any way that is allowed by your conscience.   Only the citizens of this state and country will make a difference.  Be there.

Public Health Discussion Regarding HVHF Fracking

While Albany assesses fracking's impacts on public health, R-CAUSE invites you to attend this Public Educational Forum:

HYDROFRACKING AS SEEN THROUGH THE LENS OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Thursday evening, May 9, 6-8 p.m.

Dr. David O. Carpenter:

Public health physician and Director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany. He is also Professor of Environmental Health Sciences within the School of Public Health at the University at Albany. He previously served as Director of the Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research of the NYS Department of Health.

David Kowalski, Ph.D.:

Professor Emeritus at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Graduate Division of the University at Buffalo. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of UB CLEAR (Coalition for Leading Ethically in Academic Research).

Co-Sponsors:

The Interfaith Alliance of Rochester

St. Monica's Creation Stewards

SEAL (RIT Student Environmental Action League)

Sierra Club- Rochester Regional Group

Organized by R-CAUSE with help from our friends

Recommended reading: 

http://www.r-cause.net/uploads/8/0/2/5/8025484/4-29-13_cpny_fracking_vs_health.pdf

Two Great New Stories

For those who believe in the health and well being of our state instead of turning it into a land heap for drilling, this was a great day of legal action news!   NY is saying loud and clear:  we can do better!

Appeals court says NY towns can ban fracking

The state Appellate Division ruled unanimously Thursday in favor of the Tompkins County town of Dryden and the Otsego County town of Middlefield, which both passed zoning laws that prohibit natural-gas drilling. The rulings upheld decisions last year from a lower court

Historic solar legislation approved in NY Senate

Senate Bill 2522, has two primary purposes.  First, in order to drive more solar installations in New York State, this legislation takes the NY-Sun program and cements it into law. 
 
Second, it seeks to drive investment in manufacturing by providing a substantial tax credit aimed at attracting a solar or energy storage equipment manufacturer to the state of New York.

Water Water Everywhere and not a drop to drink

The use of fresh water for industrial purposes has been a strong argument against the practice of high volume hydraulic fracturing.  For the past several years we have witnessed water shortages for agriculture and living beings consumption in many regions of the United States - and around the world.  Whenever one looks at drought data for various regions, there is an eerily alarming amount of natural gas drilling in those regions as well.

 Ceres, a non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing investor and business leadership to build a thriving, sustainable global economy, has just released an important study on the growing competition for water in regards to HVHF:

New Study: Hydraulic Fracturing Faces Growing Competition for Water Supplies in Water-Stressed Regions

Nearly half of 25,450 oil and gas wells evaluated in U.S. are in water basins with high and extremely high water stress

 “Given projected sharp increases in shale oil and gas production in the coming years, competition over water should be a growing concern to energy companies, policymakers and investors,” the report concludes, noting a projected doubling of oil and gas fracturing production in the coming years. “Shale energy development cannot grow without water, but in order to do so the industry’s water needs and impacts need to be better understood, measured and managed.”

 Under no circumstance can we allow new, damaging industrial technologies to usurp the living needs of any region! The article suggests that significant work needs to be done to alleviate any such conflicts.

The report includes key recommendations for companies and regulators, among those:

• Comprehensive mandatory disclosure by companies of how much freshwater, non-freshwater and recycled water they are using region by region as well as how much water is returning to the surface and where it is ending up.
• Requirements for companies to set quantifiable water use targets, including recycling and non-freshwater use targets.
• Ensure that both companies and local regulators are conducting sufficient water management planning.
• Ensure that companies have a local stakeholder engagement process in place on water issues.

There are more articles in this blog regarding the issues around our fresh water supply.  Use the search tool on the blog for more reading.

After the water issue is resolved... we are still faced with the toxic remains of the technology, compressor issues, pipeline issues, seismic activity relationships, gas storage facilities, land destruction, etc.  Or ..... we can push forward with sustainable, renewable energy sources for investment and development now.   Economic growth on a solid ground that does not destroy the planet seems quite logical to me! The choice is clear.

Help Protect PA

When you look at the SkyTruth map for the northern Pennsylvania regions, there can be no doubt that the NY state border makes little difference!  We will be affected by what PA does.  As citizens of one nation we must stand together for all the people in all states that are grossly affected by the toxic trespassing of the natural gas industry.   High volume hydraulic fracturing is a devastating technology and one we cannot live with, literally, for our future.

Stand with PA now and sign the Petition to Protect PA from Marcellus Shale gas drillling:

On April 30th, we're going to stun the gas drilling industry as 100,000 Pennsylvanians join together to call for a moratorium on shale gas drilling. And it can't come soon enough:
• Gas drillers have already committed more than 3,000 environmental violations. • And the state is witholding information about the results of water tests for Pennsylvanians at risk, putting gas drillers before our health. 

We need your help to put us over the top. Sign our petition and tell your elected officials to put our health and environment first.

Watch us live at bit.ly/DontFrackPA

Senators Call Halt to Revised SGEIS

Thanks to quick actions by Senator Liz Krueger and other Democratic members, a formal request was sent to Gov Cuomo today -

to scrap the Revised Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Study (“Revised Draft SGEIS”) due to a clear conflict of interest on the part of Ecology and Environment Engineering PC (“Ecology and Environment”)

Read Full Article:   Fracking advisor fallout hits Capitol  by Rick Karlin, Capitol bureau in General

PS:  New York PAID for this company's contract....big time!

Texas Drilling - The Red X

Reports keep coming to light about the rapid movement of the gas industry to drill drill drill.    Just take a look at today's SkyTruth map of the Texas region.  Every red X is a drilling operation using unconventional method, aka, high volume hydraulic fracturing - fracking!  The map changes daily - this is just for April 23. 

and remember.... every HVHF operation requires millions of gallons of FRESH WATER that will be removed from the ecosystem ... forever.  This is not an energy policy we can live with. 

(Click on map for larger image)