Statement from Senator Serrano Re: the Decision of the DEC to delay Hydrofracking until Public Review is Complete

(New York, NY)- State Senator José M. Serrano applauded the decision by Joseph Martens, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), to delay the issuing of the final Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) on high-volume hydraulic fracturing in New York State until the Department of Health (DOH) completes public review of the health impacts of the process.

"I am pleased to learn that the DOH is taking more time to carefully complete the public review process of hydrofracking," said Senator Serrano. "It would be blatantly irresponsible to permit hydraulic fracturing to be carried out without thoroughly analyzing its possible consequences on the health of the public. "

"We must ensure that New York does not join states like Pennsylvania, and suffer regrettable consequences that could be avoided by further study of this technology, continued Senator Serrano. "Furthermore, we must carefully analyze all of the issues to ensure that no hydrofracking activities that could endanger our air, water, land, and residents are subsequently permitted, so that the families of New York State are adequately protected."

"Although we are moving in the right direction by extending the review, I truly hope that Governor Cuomo takes the next step and listens to the concerns of health experts, environmental experts, and the general public and refuses to issue any hydrofracking permits in New York State," concluded Senator Serrano.