Vestal fracking forum compares New York to Texas standards

6/6/2012 (Updated 6/7/2012 2:04:14 AM)

(Source: Travis Eldridge)

VESTAL --  When it comes to big oil rigs, Texas comes to mind, but a former gas company manager says New York's fracking regulations leave a lot to be desired.

"They're not good regs, they're not good regs by Texas standards, or New Mexico state standards, by other state standards they're not very good," said Chip Northrup.

According to Northrup, New York State is missing key, fundamental regulatory standards that tell him the state has a long way to go.

"In other states, they tax the gas at the well head, and that gives the state the money to regulate the industry," said Northrup.  "It's like the industry is paying for its own regulations by that tax, but New York is the only state that doesn't tax gas at the well."

His suggestion for Vestal is to pass a moratorium on gas drilling, similar to Dryden and other towns.  However, a member of the Vestal gas coalition doesn't believe that's right.

"Binghamton, Vestal, Johnson City, Endicott, they don't have all the people they need to oversee this to make an informed decision," said Charlie Carpenter.

Carpenter continues to urge the Vestal Town Board to wait for the DEC's decision before making their own decision on fracking.  While the anti-fracking forum also focused on the health affects, Vestal Town Board Members continue not to budge in either direction. At least not for now.

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