NYSPC Statement On Court Of Appeals Decision Regarding Local Hydraulic Fracturing Regulation

Albany, NY – New York State Petroleum Council Executive Director Karen Moreau issued the following statement today in response to the New York Court of Appeals decision to uphold local bans on hydraulic fracturing.

“The New York Court of Appeals has effectively threatened the property rights of thousands of landowners who wish to lease their land for natural gas development.

“There are real losses here, and it’s a real tragedy for thousands of farmers and people in rural communities that would have realized the economic benefits that oil and gas development can deliver. Municipal boards change hands every two years and a constantly shifting landscape of regulatory uncertainty virtually guarantees that major long-term investments in the state’s economy cannot occur.

“Hundreds of towns in the heart of the New York Marcellus Shale, known as the Southern Tier, have repeatedly supported safe and responsible natural gas development and job creation. Our companies look forward to partnering with these communities, to ensure that uncertainty created by the Court does not stand in the way of efforts to promote investment in New York.”

The NYSPC is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 600 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.