Statement by Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos

Hydraulic fracturing is an important issue that has raised hopes for a stronger economy as well as concerns about its impact on the environment.  For Upstate, especially the Southern Tier, safe drilling for natural gas has the potential to create thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in economic investment, as well as provide a new source of revenue for localities.  

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has been conducting a lengthy, deliberate and thorough review of the possible environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing. DEC has heard from the public, from advocates and from scientists and geologists.  

We need to let the experts determine the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing as we also consider the potentially substantial economic boost for areas of the state that are in dire need of jobs.