Statement from Mike Tidwell, Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Contact: Mike Tidwell, 240-460-5838, mtidwell@chesapeakeclimate.org
“The Chesapeake Climate Action Network applauds New York Governor Anthony Cuomo for today effectively banning the controversial gas-drilling practice of ‘fracking’ in that state. The New York Department of Health has found that fracking is a threat to human and environmental health. As a result, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation will soon issue a binding declaration prohibiting the practice.
“This is a positive and long-needed policy development for the state of New York and for all US states where fracking is already happening or has been proposed. The state of Maryland, which has been debating for years whether to allow fracking in it’s western counties, should follow New York’s lead and adopt a legislative moratorium preventing the practice here. As New York state has made clear today, there are far too many risks to our water, air, health, and climate to proceed with this radical gas extraction method.”
 For more information and coverage please see:
“Cuomo to Ban Fracking in New York State, Citing Health Risks.” New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/18/nyregion/cuomo-to-ban-fracking-in-new-york-state-citing-health-risks.html
“Gov. Andrew Cuomo To Ban Fracking In New York State.” Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/17/cuomo-fracking-new-york-state_n_6341292.html
“New York bans fracking after health report.” Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/17/us-energy-fracking-newyork-idUSKBN0JV29Z20141217