The Geneva League of Women Voters and Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association will co-sponsor an educational forum on Hydrofracking the Marcellus Shale in the Finger Lakes on Monday, March 8th from 7 – 9 pm at the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 601 South Main Street, Geneva.    The speakers are Dr. Tony Ingraffea, Dwight C. Baum Professor of Engineering, Cornell University; Marion Balyszak, director of Finger Lakes Institute; and  Philip Cianciotto, president of SLPWA.

Dr. Ingraffea will discuss the current state of technology and the environmental impact of horizontal natural gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing or “hydrofracking” in the Marcellus Shale.  Ms. Balyszak and Mr. Cianciotto will each present a summary of their respective organization’s concerns and recommendations for fiscally and environmentally responsible hydrofracking for natural gas in the Finger Lakes region of Marcellus Shale.  Both FLI and SLPWA have submitted comments on the draft supplemental generic environmental impact statement now being considered by DEC in order to adopt regulations to permit the hydraulic drilling process.

Gas drilling in the Finger Lakes has existed for many years, but hydrofracking technology makes it possible for areas to be drilled in a more heightened concentration not previously
undertaken in New York State.   Significant hydrofracking is currently underway in Pennsylvania as well as in several other states, including Texas.  The issues associated with the drilling are complex and controversial, and while the potential economic benefits may be great, many question whether the benefits outweigh the risks to our watershed, lakes, and natural environment.

The public is invited to attend to learn more and ask questions.  Refreshments will be served.

Contact:  Kim
Reisch  (315) 789-7104

Please click on link for full Media Alert

Forum on the Future of Gas Drilling in New York Slated March 8 at SUNY New Paltz

KINGSTON–ScheinMedia and the SUNY New Paltz Environmental Task Force are pleased to present a public forum, “The Future of Gas Drilling in New York State,” on Monday, March 8 from 5:45 to 8 pm at SUNY New Paltz. The event features a closing keynote by U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey, representatives from New York City, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the gas industry. ScheinMedia founder and CEO Jonathan A. Schein will serve as a moderator of the panel section of the event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Artists Respond to Drilling the Marcellus Shale at “EarthStewards Coalition” Show       Closing Reception First Friday March 5 at City Plaza Gallery

A closing reception for “EarthStewards Coalition: Artists Respond to Drilling the Marecellus Shale” will be held on First Friday, March 5, 2010, from 6 to 9 PM, in Binghamton’s City Plaza gallery.

Music, poetry, and dance will be featured. The evening’s highlight will be a performance of “Radical Fermentation” at 7:30 PM by Pictures Moved By Strings puppet theater from Scranton, Pennsylvania., accompanied by world class pianist Ron Stabinsky.

More than forty artists from across New York State and Pennsylvania, and several other states, are featured in the exhibit.  Included in the show are works in a wide variety of media, including paintings, pastels, sculpture, quilts, installation, and assemblage. The artwork encourages viewers to explore their thoughts and feelings about the potential of high volume hydrofracture drilling for natural gas being permitted in New York State.

City Plaza Gallery, located at 38 Hawley Street, 2nd floor, is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.  “EarthStewards Coalition: Artists Respond to Drilling the Marcellus Shale” is organized by the Gaia Grrrls, an ad hoc group of activist women artists from Binghamton, New York. The show runs through Friday March 5, 2010.

CLOSING RECEPTION SCHEDULE

6:00 PM      Harper Mary Brophy O’Reilly

6:30 PM      Poetry Reading

7:30 PM      “Radical Fermentation,” Pictures Moved by Strings Puppet Theater

8:30 PM      Closing Ritual: Expressive River Walk with dancer Teresa Ann Joseph