By Jake Palmateer
Staff Writer
The finalization of the state DEC's new natural gas drilling regulations is taking longer than some expected and may not be taking long enough, according to others.
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Alexander "Pete" Grannis, speaking to the state Business Council on Thursday, said the Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) could be finalized by late summer or early fall, according to media reports.
The reports also indicated drilling permits could be issued by the end of the year.
"Everybody I had spoken to had expected it to be sooner," said Richard Downey of Otego, a member of the Unatego Area Landowners Association, which is in favor of drilling.
The DEC closed the public comment period on the draft SGEIS at the end of the year. The 800-page document was released in October.
"I think we want to see more time and more review," said Adrian Kuzminski of Fly Creek, a member of the group Sustainable Otsego, which is critical of gas drilling.
Energy companies are eager to tap into the gas-rich Marcellus Shale formation deep underground. The DEC's rules would govern horizontal drilling and hydrofracking, techniques the industry uses to extract gas. The techniques are a cause for concern for groups such as Sustainable Otsego and other individuals.
Supporters of drilling say it could create jobs and income for the region's residents.
This is the first time Grannis has talked publicly about a time line for when the SGEIS will be adopted, Downey said.
"This is the first time he's said it and I tend to believe him," Downey said. "My own opinion is the man has always kept his word and his own schedule."
But Kuzminski said he was skeptical of the time line.
"I find it hard to believe the DEC is going to make a big deal of it in the middle of the election campaign," Kuzminski said. "I think this whole thing is very much up in the air."
Voters in November will elect the entire state Legislature, the governor, House of Representative members and the state's two U.S. senators.
