Send YOUR! Letter New York

Your snail mail letters have paid off!  The latest news from New York – according to the New York Times,  “After four years of study by the state, the Cuomo administration now says its decision on whether to allow high-volume hydraulic fracturing in New York will have to wait until it conducts a review of the potential public health effects of the controversial natural gas drilling process.”  The evaluation will be conducted by the New York State Department of Health. 

Joseph Martens, Commissioner of the State Department of Environmental Conservation, announced that he had asked the health commissioner, Dr. Nirav Shah, to assess his department’s analysis of the health effects closely. 

“Mr. Martens said he was responding to widespread concerns that the state had not adequately addressed potential health consequences in its environmental assessments as it moved toward a decision on whether to permit the drilling process and what rules would govern it.”

“Only after this evaluation is completed will a decision be made about whether to permit high-volume hydraulic fracturing in New York,” he said. “Obviously, if there was a public health concern that could not be addressed, we would not proceed.” 

Results of studies on the cumulative, environmental and human health effects of hydraulic fracturing are beginning to be published.  DCS has always believed that decisions on drilling should not be made until the results of these, and many more studies have been properly analyzed.

It is important that Governor Cuomo hear from you.  It is vital at this time, to stress that there must be public input in the structure, and process of the health effects review, use of independent and well respected experts, and transparency throughout. 

 … Please call his office at:   (518) 474-8390

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Or email at:     gov.cuomo@chamber.state.ny.us 

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Snail mail address is:         The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
                Governor of New York State
                NYS State Capitol Building
                Albany, NY 12224

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• Snail mail letters are the most effective way to voice your concerns, because legislators believe people who take the time to write them are more likely to vote.  A regular snail mail letter is worth 20 emails.  If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of writing a letter, we’ll be happy to help you.  The letter must be your own thoughts and words, but we can help you put your letter together here at our office, so feel free to let us know if you want some help.

Remember – one of the only things that can affect the outcome of hydraulic fracturing is YOUR  voice.  When legislators hear from their constituents they listen, especially when the numbers start to mount.  As with gas drilling, the cumulative impact makes all the difference.