Fracking Foes Call For New Environmental Study

Opponents of high-volume hydraulic fracturing in New York state are calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to withdraw a draft environmental impact statement on the process.

Fracking foes have sent a letter to the governor urging him to direct the state Department of Health to conduct an open and transparent public health impact study.

Walter Hang, president of Ithaca-based Toxics Targeting, says the state's draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement on fracking is outdated and "lacks any current information."

Hang contends the Department of Environmental Conservation report is "obviously unsuitable to support any decision" by Cuomo to allow fracking in the Marcellus Shale of New York.

Hang says the existing impact statement would inadequately protect New Yorkers from potential hazards related to fracking operations.