Governor Cuomo snubs jobs for New York families and the benefits of energy security

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Dec 17, 2014, 01:35 ET

ALBANY, N.Y., Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- API New York State Petroleum Council Executive Director Karen Moreau today said Governor Cuomo acted irresponsibly by issuing a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing, putting the state's economy on a reckless path and ignoring the needs of New York families, economic opportunity, job creation, revenue to the government, and America's need for energy security.

"Today's action by Governor Cuomo shows that New York families, teachers, roads and good-paying jobs have lost out to political gamesmanship. This is the wrong direction for New York.

"Robust regulations exist at the federal and state levels nationwide for natural gas development and environmental protection. A politically motivated and equally misinformed ban on a proven technology used for over 60 years – throughout the country to great success – is short-sighted and reckless, particularly when New York depends on safely produced natural gas just over the border in Pennsylvania.

"New York is sitting on a major opportunity to help fuel America's future. Just next door in Pennsylvania, more than $630 million has been distributed to communities since 2012 – including more than $224 million in just 2014. These once economically challenged areas are now thriving. The commonwealth has also benefited from over $2.1 billion in state and local taxes generated by the shale energy industry. Revenue from natural gas production supports road and bridge improvements, water and sewer projects, local housing initiatives, environmental programs and rehabilitation of greenways. We are resolved to continue to fight for these benefits in New York.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the landowners and our labor allies, who are focused on creating jobs. This is a missed opportunity to share in the American energy renaissance, and for New York's future prosperity."

The NYSPC and API represent all segments of America's technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 625 members provide most of the nation's energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs, represents 8 percent of the U.S. economy, and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans.

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SOURCE American Petroleum Institute