Frm. PA Regulator Says Fracking Poses Fewer Risks

6/13/2012 (Updated 11:06:42 PM)

BINGHAMTON -- It's a fracking plan aimed at Broome and other counties along the Pennsylvania border, and the New York Times says it is under consideration by the Cuomo administration.

According to the newspaper, the plan would, at least for the first few years, limit fracking to the southern counties, but be allowed only in communities that approve of fracking.

New of the New York Times report came Wednesday, as members of the Joint Landowners Coalition of New York were meeting.

They gathered to hear a talk on hydrofracking from former Pennsylvania Department Secretary John Hanger.

Hanger would not comment on the Governor's plan, but he did say all energy production involves choices.

"If you're going to say no to gas, you're saying yes to something else," said Hanger.  "I go home and turn on the lights and I expect those lights to actually work, because there is electricity. I live in the Three Mile Island evacuation area...and every energy choice has strengths and weaknesses, and a risk."

Former Pennsylvania Department Secretary Hanger said fracking is working well for Pennsylvania, and carries much less environment risks than other forms of energy.

In response to FOX 40's inquiry, the New York DEC said no decisions on hydrofracking have been made.

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