County Legislator Decries Lack of Fracking Plan

8/22/2012 (Updated 11:19:48 PM)

With CBS News reporting that the Cuomo administration is ready to permit hydrofracking in New  York State-- a Broome County legislator says the Binghamton area is unprepared:

Democrat Jason Garner, who is  running unopposed in November, says his concern is not political:
 
Garner, who represents the 3rd District, is blaming Broome County's Republican Executive, Debbie Preston, for not following up on her campaign pledges to develop a plan to safeguard public health and safety, and to protect the quality of life.

Garner said: "It's a wake up call, we need to get to work. I'm  concerned we don't have anything in writing.  I'm going on vacation next week, and I take things in writing with me, but there is nothing I can look at. But this is the most trying problem that's ever come to Broome County, and I don't see any written documents, or documentation that's going to provide a plan to protect us."
 
Garner added that he'd like to see the county develop  a planning process similar to what Tioga County did.  He says that county  created a planning team, of citizens, elected officials and landowners on both side of the issue.

When asked if he himself supports or opposes fracking, Garner told Fox 40 News that he won't decide until more information is available.

VIEW VIDEO