Friday, February 8, 2013

Out in left field

Feb 06, 2013

Peter Mantius

Posted Feb 06, 2013 @ 11:38 AMCorning, N.Y. —

A disturbing picture is emerging of the narrow subagency of state government that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is relying on to write the regulations for fracking in New York.
The Division of Mineral Resources, or DMN, was formed in 1983 as a unit of the state Department of Environmental Conservation to regulate oil and gas exploration and production.
Throughout its 30-year history, DMN has operated as a powerful industry-friendly fiefdom run by only two directors, Gregory Sovas (1983-2001) and Bradley Field (2001-present), who have watched five governors come and go.
The division defines its role as “the fostering, encouragement and promotion” of oil and gas development. Its mission statement conspicuously omits any acknowledgement of responsibility to protect human health and the environment.
And DMN has for decades displayed an aversion to establishing formal regulations for oil and gas development.

Read More: http://www.the-leader.com/opinions/x711915879/Out-in-left-field

Peter Mantius is a freelance journalist from Schuyler County who follows shale gas drilling issues. He is a former reporter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and former editor of two business weeklies in the Northeast

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.

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.

Concerned Burlington Neighbors

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Friday, February 8, 2013

Out in left field

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