COOPERSTOWN -- Opponents of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas said Monday they see a strong probability for both nonviolent civil disobedience and lawsuits if the state begins to permit the controversial drilling technique.
On Sunday night, CBS Evening News reported it has "learned" that the Cuomo administration is "about to OK fracking, and will issue guidelines after Labor Day." The report comes on the heels of last month's leaked story to the New York Times that suggested the drilling method will be initially approved in what the newspaper called five "struggling" counties in the Southern Tier.
There have been no significant leaks regarding drilling permits to media outlets in those shale gas-rich areas being eyed by the energy industry for potential drilling.
Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000, an environmental group that opposes drilling, said members of activist groups will likely engage in civil disobedience and "direct action" if the state Department of Environmental Conservation begins to issue high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing permits for gas extraction operations.
There is also a strong possibility that lawsuits will snarl any drilling operations before they commence, she said.
"I don't think we are going to see drilling any time soon," she said in predicting lawsuits will stymie them at least in the short term.
The DEC on Monday attempted to distance itself from the leaked CBS story, as it did also following the New York Times story.
"Our review of high-volume hydraulic fracturing is continuing and no decisions have been made," DEC spokeswoman Emily DeSantis said. "It is premature to talk about options until the review of the science and the facts is complete."
Kelly Brannigan of Middlefield Neighbors -- the grassroots citizens group that pushed through one of the state's first town-wide bans on gas drilling -- said fracking opponents are becoming increasingly annoyed with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's statements and what she said is his unwillingness to enlist input from "independent scientists."
"I do think people are angry enough now, and there will be nonviolent civil disobedience," Brannigan said. "The governor is ignoring everyone except the industry. There has been collusion between his administration and the gas industry. They keep pretending at the state level that casings and inspections will solve everything."
She and other fracking opponents said they are planning a mass demonstration against fracking in Albany on Monday. And this week, hundreds of drilling opponents are expected to stage a demonstration against fracking at the State Fair in Syracuse. The protest is timed for Thursday, the same day Cuomo is scheduled to visit the fair.
Michael Zagata of Davenport, the former commissioner of the DEC under then Gov. George Pataki, praised Cuomo, saying he is simply doing the job he was elected to do.
"He has to look out for both the environment and the economic potential of New York state," Zagata said.
He also scoffed at fracking foes' predictions that permitting drilling will trigger civil disobedience. "What does that say about their agenda?" asked Zagata, arguing the DEC will only permit horizontal drilling if its regulations can safeguard the environment and water supplies.
He also contended that increased reliance on natural gas and reduced reliance on coal and oil will lead to healthier air quality. "The DEC is capable of doing the job," he said.
However, David Grodsky of the anti-drilling group Protect Pittsfield said the review being conducted by the DEC has been stacked in the gas industry's favor.
"It's bizarre that this governor who claims to be able to work across party lines wouldn't even try to get a health impact study in" to accompany the draft rules on drilling, said Grodsky, a retired New York City teacher. "He is going to run for president? Who here is going to vote for him. What a great legacy he is going to leave."
Local News
Area opponents vow action if fracking OK'd
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