Hi Friends—
We have some important news today.
The New York Times obtained an analysis from the New York State Health
Department that claims fracking can be done safely. Though the Health
Department has distanced itself from the analysis, saying it is outdated
and will require substantial changes, it is an ominous indication of
the State’s leaning on the issue.
Here's what the New York Times has to say about the leaked analysis:
“But it remains difficult to discern how much original research the
state has done on potential health impacts, and environmentalists worry
that the administration’s lack of transparency is hiding a lack of rigor
in its assessment of public health risks.”
We know that fracking cannot be done safely. When a well leaks, no one
can be sent thousands of feet below the earth to make repairs when the
cement fails – and it will. The oil and gas industry’s own documents
show that 5 percent of fracking wells leak immediately, and 60 percent
leak within 30 years. What’s leaking is a toxic brew of chemicals that
poison our water and release potent greenhouse gases and radiation into
the air.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is taking
public comments on fracking through January 11th, and then Governor
Cuomo will make a decision in late February about whether or not to
allow fracking in New York.
—Yoko and Sean
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