The purpose of the petition is to support Sen. Seward's Bill S5830 to authorize local governments to address natural gas drilling in their zoning and planning ordinances.

Home rule is the law in New York State however the Natural Gas Industry is currently trying to undermine and bypass local zoning laws by using the power of the DEC to go against the will of local citizens and local land use regulations.


The DEC has made no clear statement that it will honor local zoning laws when issuing permits. The industry is close to completely undermining Home Rule in Pennsylvania, and are trying to follow the same path in New York.

Please also write to your own individual NYS Senator.

Whereas all New Yorkers have a right to  Home Rule and regulations protecting clean air and water and a peaceful and healthy environment and

Whereas the DEC and State of New York has offered to protect only the Skaneateles Lake and New York City watersheds

We, the undersigned, petition the New York State Senate to pass Sen. Seward's Bill S5830 immediately upon returning to session or as soon as possible thereafter for the protection of the entire State and the rights of New York State citizens living outside of those watersheds to preserve their own environment in their own manner through local zoning laws and comprehensive land use plans.