fyi, paul
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fran Hunt <fran.hunt(a)sierraclub.org>
Date: Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 3:55 PM
Subject: Key vote cancelled for Delaware River watershed gas drilling
To: CONS-AWL-RESILIENT-HABITATS(a)lists.sierraclub.org
The New Jersey Sierra Club reported that there are 10,000 leases on hold in
the basin that could move forward if the regulations are adopted. The
National Park Service estimates 35,000 wells eventually could be
constructed....
Anti-drilling forces claim victory in delay of Commission vote
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A multistate agency that has spent years developing
regulations for natural gas drilling in the Delaware River watershed
abruptly canceled a key vote scheduled for Monday after two members
announced their opposition.
The Delaware River Basin Commission said Friday it was postponing a vote on
hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to give the agency's five commissioners
more time to review the draft regulations.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett said he was disappointed by the latest delay,
which he said happened because commission members disagreed on the
regulation package. The DRBC said no new date had been set.
"Pennsylvania is ready to move forward now," Corbett said in a statement
released Friday. "We have demonstrated a willingness to compromise and to
address issues brought forth by other members of the commission. We have
worked with our commission partners in good faith, and it is disappointing
to not have these efforts reciprocated."
But New York's Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman, said an environmental
risk-assessment is needed to win public confidence and ensure that the
commission's actions are based on science.
"This delay further demonstrates that the proposed regulations for fracking
in the Delaware River Basin are not ready to see the light of day,"
Schneiderman said in a statement Friday. "Without a full, fair and open
review of the potential risks of fracking in the basin, the public will
continue to question the federal government's ability to protect public
health and environment."
The federal Environmental Protection
Agency<http://www.stargazette.com/article/20111118/NEWS11/111180321/Key-gas-drilli…>
is
studying the effects of fracking, with a draft report due next year.
The postponement of a vote came hours after Delaware Gov. Jack Markell told
fellow commissioners he would not support the regulations because of
concerns over drinking water protections. Earlier, New York announced it
would vote no. New Jersey and Pennsylvania had not announced how they would
vote, but it was believed both would vote yes.
With two Democrats prepared to reject the rules and two Republicans
signaling their support, passage would have been left to the fifth member,
the Army Corps of Engineers. It's not known how the federal agency was
planning to vote.
The rules need three votes to pass, though the commission had hoped for
unanimous, bipartisan support.
Environmentalists saw victory in the delay, claiming an erosion of support
by the commission.
However, Marcellus Shale Coalition President Kathryn Klaber said she
remained hopeful that the commission would adopt "common-sense regulations
aimed at responsibly developing clean-burning, job-creating American
natural gas in the region."
Fracking involves injecting water, sand and chemicals into a gas well to
crack surrounding shale thousands of feet underground so trapped natural
gas can flow into the well. Environmentalists fear it could result in
contamination of drinking water supplies. Because of that fear, New York
regulators are proposing to ban fracking in the New York City and Syracuse
watersheds.
New York state has had a moratorium on fracking since regulators started an
extensive environmental review in 2008. The state is now holding hearings
on proposed regulations, which, if approved, could allow drilling next year.
"We hope to work with DRBC to develop a regulatory program that reflects
New York's 3½ years of study," said Emily DeSantis, spokeswoman for New
York state's Department of
EnvironmentalConservation<http://www.stargazette.com/article/20111118/NEWS11/111180321/Key-gas-drilli…>
.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie rejected legislation permanently banning
fracking.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature has not taken action on his
recommendation for a one-year moratorium, though they may try to override
the governor before recessing in mid-December.
New Jersey has no Marcellus shale, so its interest in the issue revolves
around water quality<http://www.stargazette.com/article/20111118/NEWS11/111180321/Key-gas-drilli…>
.
Christie's office declined to comment Friday.
The commission manages water use for the Delaware River Basin, and
environmentalists say the drilling would threaten drinking water for 15
million people.
The proposed rules would allow 300 natural gas wells in the Delaware River
Basin, followed by a commission review before more are phased in. The
eventual total could reach many thousands of wells.
The New Jersey Sierra Club reported that there are 10,000 leases on hold in
the basin that could move forward if the regulations are adopted. The
National Park Service estimates 35,000 wells eventually could be
constructed.
Pennsylvania already allows drilling outside the watershed area.
Environmental groups have gathered more than 73,000 signatures on a
petition opposing drilling in the watershed.
--
*Frances A. Hunt*
Director, Resilient Habitats Campaign
Sierra Club
50 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
fran.hunt(a)sierraclub.org
202-675-2386
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