Tuesday, February 23, 2010

A MUST ATTEND EVENT -- ABOUT THE COMPLEXITY AND RAMIFICATIONS OF GAS DRILLING IN NEW YORK STATE

SCHEINMEDIA AND SUNY NEW PALTZ ENVIRONMENTAL TASK FORCE TO CO-SPONSOR FORUM ON THE FUTURE OF GAS DRILLING IN NEW YORK STATE at SUNY New Paltz on March 8th

by Paul McGinniss

There's lots of talk about Natural Gas being a "clean alternative" to oil. Natural Gas is also promoted as being a safer alternative to unstable foreign sources of energy. The development of natural gas resources in the United States is, potentially, a way to make our country more energy secure and independent from potential conflict in other countries.

Natural Gas drilling, no matter how safely done, is an industrial process and has an impact on a region's landscape, homes, businesses and real estate. Despite potential economic benefit, there are serious environmental issues associated with gas drilling. Of special concern is the drilling process called hydraulic fracturing which has enabled drilling for gas deposits in hard to reach shale formations.

The Marcellus Shale spans four states including large swaths of New York. It is one of the largest gas deposits in the country. With energy and economic security issues facing the country, the future of gas drilling in New York is one of the most important economic and environmental issues the State has ever confronted.

Anyone interested in the future of New York State should attend this interactive town hall meeting to discuss pros and cons of drilling for natural gas. The event will feature a closing keynote by U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey. A panel moderated by the publisher, Jonathan Schein, will include representatives from New York City, New York State, environmental groups and gas industry representatives. Community groups and various stakeholders are encouraged to attend and participate in the audience forum.

The event will take place Monday, March 8th, from 5:45 to 8 pm
on the SUNY New Paltz campus.

For Details and directions click on here

The video below is a trailer from the documentary film, "Split Estate", which highlights gas drilling in Colorado. Anyone wanting to know how gas drilling could, possibly, impact a community in New York State should check out this important film.



Click on here for another excellent video from Propublica about gas drilling in Wyoming called "A Reporter’s Journey Through the Gas Fields".

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