New York banned liquefied natural gas storage facilities in 1973 after an explosion on Staten Island killed 40 workers. But now the state wants to back out of that ban saying it only wants to allow fueling stations for the trucking industry.
Opponents are worried, however, that the Department of Environmental Conservation's proposed regulations would also allow frackers a foot in the door.
It’s not at all unreasonable to suspect the industry may be seeking such a back door entry into NY, where fracking has been banned since 2008 - and the proposed regulations are too vague, say environmental groups, to keep frackers and huge storage facilities out.
The DEC insists it’s all about putting cleaner trucks on state highways and has nothing to do with fracking. But if that’s so, the regulations shouldn’t leave anything to chance
Don’t let plans for fueling stations open the door to fracking in NY. Tell the DEC to protect its citizens with stronger natural gas regulations.
We, the undersigned, say New Yorkers deserve natural gas regulations that ensure proper protection and compliance with the state’s moratorium on fracking.
Opponents believe the proposed regulations don’t make that promise. They say these regulations are not strong enough and go far beyond allowing truck fueling stations and would even open the door to the building of huge facilities that can store millions of gallons of fuel. At best the regulations are “so vague,” says Jill Wiener of Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy, that they are “virtually meaningless."
Also legitimate are environmental groups’concern about methane emissions from natural gas.
Backing of LNG fuel stations from groups like the American Lung Association is no reason the regulations can’t be written to ensure that citizens are properly protected.
We request that New York’s DEC develop stronger natural gas regulations than those currently proposed.
Thanks for your time.
