ANGA Statement on New York Plan to Lift its Ban on Hydraulic Fracturing

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is a statement by America's Natural Gas Alliance Executive Vice President Tom Amontree on the plan by New York to lift its ban on hydraulic fracturing.

"In reviewing the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's statement in advance of the full SGEIS, we are encouraged by the apparent acknowledgement that natural gas can be developed safely and responsibly in New York with appropriate state oversight. However, we will have to review the full study before drawing any conclusions about the plan.

"While the statement says certain areas of New York will be blocked from development, natural gas is produced safely in communities across our country every day and is subject to substantial state-led regulatory oversight.  In the process, this abundant domestic resource supports 2.8 million jobs and nearly $400 billion a year in economic activity.

"Despite having vast natural gas resources, New York today is a net importer of 96 percent of its natural gas. On the positive side, the state is our nation's fourth biggest consumer of the fuel, and the proposal clearly recognizes the potential natural gas has to produce cleaner power and transportation choices.  The natural gas industry in neighboring Pennsylvania supports 53,000 jobs and is responsible for $12.9 billion in economic activity in that state. New York can reap similar substantial economic opportunities, while helping us continue to demonstrate our commitment to developing the resource in a responsible manner.

"The natural gas community will participate vigorously in the discussion on safe development in the state, and we will continue to make a strong, science-based case to the people of New York and the nation that energy production and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. We look forward to working with New York's regulators to craft a comprehensive policy on natural gas development that protects the environment and that can open the door to the pent-up economic opportunity that exists in the state."  

America's Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA) represents 30 of North America's leading independent natural gas exploration and production companies. ANGA members are dedicated to increasing the appreciation of the environmental, economic and national security benefits of clean, abundant, American natural gas. Learn more about ANGA at www.anga.us.

SOURCE America's Natural Gas Alliance

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