NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Summer 2009 Newsletter HERE

September 30, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Erin Mooney

Trout Unlimited (TU) Comments on New York State’s Draft Regulatory Report on Marcellus Shale

This evening, New York state released its draft supplemental generic environmental impact statement (DSGEIS) for gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.  This 800-plus page document, once finalized, will provide the regulatory framework for how the gas industry must operate when drilling in the Marcellus Shale in New York state.  

“To date, New York state’s approach been both cautionary and proactive,” said Elizabeth Maclin, TU’s Vice President for Eastern Conservation. “Unlike other states in the Marcellus Shale region, New York has not jumped the gun on gas drilling and has required a thorough regulatory analysis prior to allowing any gas company to drill in the state.  Trout Unlimited and its New York Council commend the state for this,” Maclin said.

“Drilling for gas in the Marcellus Shale is one of the most—if not the most—significant issues to impact New York’s native and wild trout fisheries in decades as well as local drinking water supplies. It is critical that it be done in a way that protects these resources for future generations of sportsmen,” said Ron Urban, TU’s New York Council Chair, of Port Ewen, N.Y.

“As with any regulations, careful analysis is required to determine exactly how strong the protections will be for New York’s expansive resources,” said Maclin. “Trout Unlimited and its 7,500 New York members look forward to carefully reviewing and commenting on the state’s draft report.”

New York state is providing 60 days for the public to comment on its plan to move forward with drilling in the Marcellus Shale.  Trout Unlimited asks Governor David Paterson and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis to extend the comment period to at least 90 days in order to allow the public a thorough review of the document.

Erin Mooney
National Press Secretary
Trout Unlimited
1300 North 17th St.
Suite 500
Arlington, VA  22209

New York State Marine Fishing Licenses Required

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, persons 16 years of age and older need to acquire a recreational marine fishing license if they are fishing in the Marine and Coastal District or fishing any water (such as the Hudson River, Delaware River, or Mohawk River and their tributaries) where the angler is fishing for "migratory fish from the sea" (such as striped bass, American shad, hickory shad, blueback herring, alewife). (full story)

NY Water Withdrawal Bill

NY Assemblyman Sweeney's office promises a Bill by 6/10/09 on water withdrawals to be presented in Albany. Ron Urban, Chairman NYSCTU has been part of a 6 month coalition of concerned NY Water Groups to help write this and has it's objectives incorporated into the Bill. This is in regard to the urgency to protect our surface and groundwater's. Please contact your local legislators in NY to support the Bill. Ron Urban, Chairman NYSCTU Read bill

Casey, House Members Introduce Companion Bills To Protect Drinking Water from Natural Gas Fracking

American Public Deserves to Know Chemicals Used Near Their Water Sources

WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Jared Polis (D-CO) today to introduce companion Senate and House bills, the FRAC Act -- Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act, amending the Safe Drinking Water Act.  The legislation would repeal a Bush administration exemption provided for the oil and gas industry and would require them to disclose the chemicals they use in their hydraulic fracturing processes.  Currently, the oil and gas industry is the only industry granted an exemption from complying with the Safe Drinking Water Act. More

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