Celebrities in Dimock; Preston Accused of Starting Fracking Office

1/17/2013 (Updated 10:53:25 PM)

A fracking office--that's what some area residents --opposed to hydrofracking-- are calling the Broome County Executive's proposed "Office of Energy Development."

" The rest of the sustainability stuff that she's teaching it's a myth, thats a sham," says Isaac Silberman-Gorn of Citizen Action of New York.

Area residents stood outside the Broome County Office Building Thursday --just before the legislature was to vote to approve the  $200-000 project. 

"I just don't think it's appropriate at this time to be spending tax payer funds on these brand new offices, especially since we've had such a tough budget," says Daniel. D Reynolds, (D) Broome County Legislature.

$100,000 is set to come from the County Hotel/Motel Tax Reserve. The other $100,000 from an agreement with the Industrial Development Agency.

Debbie Preston says the goal of the office is to reduce and conserve energy, and offer guidance to the public through information seminars, a website, and blogs. 

But area residents say sustainability efforts are already underway in Broome County and the $200,000 is a misuse of  money.

"This office seeks to promote her personal agenda, which is fracking," says Silberman-Gorn. 

The Deputy County Executive says it's not a fracking office, however if passed, it is something the office will handle.

"The focus here is on long term  sustainability.  It's about saving the County money be becoming more energy efficient, and that's really the bottom line for this office," says Bijoy Datta, Deputy County Executive.

The legislature postponed the vote on Thursday.  They will vote on the funding at their next meeting.

In Binghamton,  Ali Warner Fox 40 HD News.