Friday, February 24, 2012

Victory comes on the heels of similar ruling for Dryden
Joe Mahoney
COOPERSTOWN — In a major setback for the natural gas industry, a state judge today upheld the legality of the town of Middlefield's ban on drilling for natural gas, marking the second victory of the week for home rule advocates out to stop hydrofracking.




Acting State Supreme Court Judge Donald Cerio, in an 11-page decision, said there was "no support" for claims that the state Legislature, by enacting the Environrmental Conservation Law in 1981, intended to "abrogate the constitutional and statutory authority vested in local municipalities to enact legislation affecting land use.
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The lawsuit aimed at upending revisions to Middlefield's zoning law that were enacted last year was brought by Jennifer Huntington, owner of Cooperstown Holstein Corp., a company that has leased nearly 400 acres in the town to a gas drilling company.
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Judge upholds Dryden gas drilling ban

COOPERSTOWN -- Advocates for home rule in setting energy policy won the first round of a major battle with the natural gas industry Tuesday when state Supreme Court Judge Phillip Rumsey upheld the town of Dryden's law that zones out drilling operations.

The challenge to the local law in the Tompkins County community of Dryden is one of two major court battles that pit hydrofracking advocates against supporters of local governments' ability to determine whether drilling and other forms of heavy industry can be kept out.

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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

High Volume Horizontal Hydraulic Fracturing

Concerned Burlington Neighbors formed in July of 2011 over a discussion about the pro's and con's of "fracking" for natural gas. We are small farmers, business people, retired people, gardeners, artists, teachers, writers, people who fish and hunt and call the beautiful valleys and hills of Burlington home. 

Wharton Creek, Route 51 








































We sent  out  a survey to  find out  if we  were alone  in our concern about  gas  drilling.     It turned out that although Burlington residents are quiet and respectful of  their neighbors  privacy, over   61%  of   those  responding  were  against  "Hydro-Fracturing / Gas Drilling in our Community" and that 11%  were unsure.  We have since held two informational meetings for the community, one with local experts presenting information about the “fracking” process. Our second meeting was a series of videos highlighting farmers and business people in Pennsylvania whose lives have been negatively impacted by the drilling.

We now attend Town Board meetings and have become involved in our town’s attempt to develop a comprehensive plan to protect our valuable resources. You may have noticed the weekly Wharton Valley Pennysaver ads with information about drilling. This website was launched to post announcements and share additional information we receive from a variety of sources. We hope that you find it helpful. Please join in our conversation.