The clock is ticking on the public comment period for those interested in registering their thoughts on revised natural gas drilling regulations. The topic has understandably generated a great deal of interest as the regulations will likely govern potential drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation for the foreseeable future.

 The Marcellus Shale is one of the largest natural gas fields in North America and could provide a multi-billion dollar economic boost for the areas in and surrounding the Marcellus Shale formation. The financial benefits associated with natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale could be enormous. In addition, the benefits from an energy supply perspective are also important. 

Skyrocketing fuel prices have clearly demonstrated our need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Reducing consumption, increasing our use of renewable energy and alternative fuels, and increasing exploration will all help to further this goal. In my view, we are buying too much oil from people who don’t like us very much, and that domestic sources, safely extracted, can play a role in our energy independence and in reducing home heating costs for families

When the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) for natural gas drilling applications the deadline to comment was announced as November 30. I immediately called for an extension of the deadline to allow  property owners and local governments ample time to review the document. After all, the proposed regulations are more than 800 pages in length and encompass extremely technical information, certainly extra time is warranted. The DEC agreed and extended the public comment period on the draft SGEIS until the end of the year.

Certainly one of the items individuals have expressed concern about in regard to natural gas drilling is water supply protection. Many people have expressed their feelings on this particular item and I too feel we must ensure that one of our most precious and essential resources is properly safeguarded. To that end, I am co-sponsoring legislation that would hold drilling companies accountable for any damage to our water supply.