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By arimoore, on August 12th, 2009%
The 2009 draft State Energy Plan that was just released seems to be getting little public attention. The interim plan (March 2009) was developed after a number of hearings last winter and was focused on renewable sources. The interim plan was replaced on the website by the draft plan this week and has expanded coverage to all energy sources including development of the Marcellus Shale.
Pages 49-51 address natural gas development and quote the potential recoverable production that are prevalent in the industry publications but are now being questioned based on experience in the fully developed Barnett Shale. There are a lot of assumptions about the economic benefits of increased landowner wealth and tax collection although property taxes on gas production are extremely modest and NY presently has no severance tax on natural gas production. It does acknowledge concerns about the local impacts to communities, including increased truck traffic, noise, aesthetics, and impact on quality of life. Assumptions are made that environmental protection is fully satisfied by the DEC during the GEIS process.
The Ithaca Journal had an article on the Plan this week based on the Governor’s executive order and a press release. It also quotes environmental advocates.
There is a series of public meetings through Aug and Sept. (PDF) and a mid Oct. deadline for written comments with the final report due in November.
It seems to me that this deserves a high priority for all government officials and environmental advocates.
By shirari, on February 13th, 2009%
The Final Scope and list of locations including DEC offices and 35 libraries where it will be available for review are posted on the Department’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/45912.html.
Or, download them here:
By shirari, on February 13th, 2009%
Walk for two years with the forsaken and embark on a journey with my family as we track, via web entries and posted photos/video, the development of 60 new natural gas wells within an approximate mile radius of our home. Currently, there are eleven in production.
www.journeyoftheforsaken.com
Also, be sure to check out the primer on hydraulic fracing.
By shirari, on February 13th, 2009%
Right now New York City faces one of the biggest threats ever to the purity of its water. Gas companies want to drill for natural gas in the shale surrounding NYC’s reservoirs. If this drilling occurs, contamination to NYC’s water will force the City to build water filtration plants, costing between $10-20 billion.
The link below leads to Councilman James F. Gennaro’s online petition calling for a ban on gas drilling in the NYC drinking water supply watershed and other New York watershed areas. It is in the form of a letter addressed to Governor Paterson.
Sign the petition
By shirari, on February 13th, 2009%
Energy company tests theory of gas seepage into Pa. water wells by Tom Wilber, February 10, 2009:
Will reaping the riches of the Marcellus Shale carry threats of random explosions? Scientists and industry officials are working on an answer in Dimock Township, Pa., where gas originating 1,500 feet deep or more seeped into water supplies feeding homes. Cabot Oil & Gas, of Houston, has taken four water wells off line at homes in the Carter Road area and is venting nearby natural gas wells suspected to be related to the problem. The intensive investigation began after a water well exploded Jan. 1.
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“We need to see whether this is something that could happen someplace else,” [Mark Carmon, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection] said. “In a way, this is like one big experiment in the field.”
Read the rest
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About Us Shaleshock is an information hub connecting people to regional groups and projects working to stop exploitative drilling in the Marcellus Shale.(more)
2009 Signs of Sustainability
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