Drilling has very good safety record
The controversy over producing natural gas from New York state's tremendous Marcellus Shale reserves hit Albany big time on Jan. 25.
As a participant supporting natural gas development and the regulations proposed by the DEC, I was struck by the size of the crowds that turned out in favor of developing our gas reserves. Binghamton television station WBNG estimated that more than 700 people were there to demonstrate their support for this new gas industry in a rally that took place in the pouring rain.
Given the scaremongering of the environmental extremists who have weighed in on this issue, the most important disclosure at this rally was the fact that more than 10,000 wells have been drilled in New York state over the last two decades under present regulations with only one minor incident involving methane seepage, which was corrected within three days.
Contrary to the environmental hysteria being peddled as fact, this is a safety record all New Yorkers can be proud of and is a testament to the professionalism of the DEC and the high standards already incorporated into New York state law with respect to natural gas exploration and production. Ten thousand-to-1 odds and then only one minor incident? You can bet the farm on that safety record.
The bitterness of landowners over what is perceived to be a concerted effort to cheat them out of their chance to participate in the American Dream is reflected in many of the signs I saw in Albany, including one that said "My Land, My Gas, My Right" and another that said "Pay Me, Not OPEC." But the most ominous one for incumbent politicians was a sign that said "Vote For The Gas Party In 2010" meaning that property owners should only support politicians who support them.
Noel van Swol
Long Eddy
Van Swol is president of Sullivan-Delaware Property Owners Association.
Combined bids hurt local drivers
A note to surrounding towns and villages: Some towns put out bids for road materials and combine the purchase and trucking together.
Local single-truck owners are not able to compete, and lose out on these bids.
If submitted separately, some of the independent owners would be able to bid.
I believe this would be a positive step forward in helping local drivers and keeping our economy moving forward.
Thank you for your consideration.
Connie S. Burns
Delhi
