DEC Seeks 90-Extension for Fracking Regulations

11/28/2012 (Updated 6:59:28 PM)

The state DEC is seeking a 90-day extension to Thursday's deadline to set fracking regulations.

It's a move that has many landowners hopeful that the finish line to allowing the drilling process in New York State is in sight.

Missing the deadline could force the process to restart, further delaying a decision on the gas drilling process. But those in favor of the state's moratorium on fracking say it's no given that the state's secretary of state will grant the extension. 

"It is absolutely inappropriate to resubmit revised rulemaking proposals before the Department of Health review of health safeguards," said Walter Hang, President of Toxics Targeting.
"It's time for New York to move forward with drilling. It's not time to start over but to finish the process that's already put in place. Millions of dollars have been spent. I see this 90-day extension as a finalization of four-and-a-half years of study," said landowner Vic Furman of Chenango Forks.

If the DEC is granted it's 90-day extension, the new deadline will be approximately February 27, 2013.