The Independent Oil and Gas Association is none to happy that the Department of Environmental Conservation announced that it is hiring an outside firm to study the financial burden of natural gas exploration on communities across the state. Its solution is to have the state hire a consultant to hire an outside firm to study the cost to the state of the state putting a moratorium on fracking in 2008.
“IOGA of NY calls on the agency to also determine the full negative impact this delay has had on the state, especially the Southern Tier by examining lost sales, income and property tax revenue; outward job migration and jobs lost to other states; how the higher cost of fuel has impacted business growth in the state; and how many foreclosures could have been avoided.”
It just so happens the DEC was criticized for an earlier report by the same consultant because the report focused on the financial benefits of fracking without analyzing possible costs to communities, such as impacts on infrastructure.
Here is IOGA’s statement:
“The DEC’s expanded study of community impacts resulting from advanced natural gas exploration announced yesterday should also analyze the lost opportunities and unrealized positive impacts since the state’s moratorium went into effect in 2008.
IOGA of NY calls on the agency to also determine the full negative impact this delay has had on the state, especially the Southern Tier by examining lost sales, income and property tax revenue; outward job migration and jobs lost to other states; how the higher cost of fuel has impacted business growth in the state; and how many foreclosures could have been avoided.
Earlier this month a report by IHS Global Insight showed that natural gas production in the United States will support 870,000 jobs and result in an additional $118 billion in economic impact over the next four years. New York must be part of this growth.”
By David King on December 21, 2011, 5:10 pm
In category:
Albany,
Environment,
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