Health Rally opposing Fracking

2/5/2013 (Updated 10:15:57 PM)

The day after DEC Commissioner implied the state could miss a regulatory deadline that could extend New York's moratorium on fracking.  Anti-fracking activists are keeping the pressure on.
 
Joe Martens, DEC Commissioner, said the DEC won't finalize fracking regulations without the state's health review being complete.  If it isn't complete in time for the February 13th deadline, a decision on fracking could be delayed for months.  Tuesday, the activists said the health concerns should keep Governor Cuomo from allowing one well to be fracked in the Southern Tier.

"Our waterways are interconnected in the ground, just as they are on the surface.  The industry can not keep it's claim to keep toxic chemicals under ground and keep them in one place. They can't do it," said Dr. Kathleen Nolan of Catskill Mountainkeeper.
 
The activists criticized Cuomo for what they call a secret health review. But according to energy in depth, an industry-funded group, health stats from communities surrounding the Barnett Shale in Texas show rates of cancer, heart and respiratory disease decreased from 2000-2008, possibly due in part to revenue from drilling giving more people access to health care.

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