Last night, New York state released its draft supplemental generic environmental impact statement (DSGEIS) for gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.  This 800-plus page document, once finalized, will provide the regulatory framework for how the gas industry must operate when drilling in the Marcellus Shale in New York state. 

“To date, New York state’s approach been both cautionary and proactive,” said Elizabeth Maclin, TU’s Vice President for Eastern Conservation. “Unlike other states in the Marcellus Shale region, New York has not jumped the gun on gas drilling and has required a thorough regulatory analysis prior to allowing any gas company to drill in the state.  Trout Unlimited and its New York Council commend the state for this,” Maclin said.

“Drilling for gas in the Marcellus Shale is one of the most—if not the most—significant issues to impact New York’s native and wild trout fisheries in decades as well as local drinking water supplies. It is critical that it be done in a way that protects these resources for future generations of sportsmen,” said Ron Urban, TU’s New York Council Chair, of Port Ewen, N.Y. 

“As with any regulations, careful analysis is required to determine exactly how strong the protections will be for New York’s expansive resources,” said Maclin. “Trout Unlimited and its 7,500 New York members look forward to carefully reviewing and commenting on the state’s draft report.”

New York state is providing 60 days for the public to comment on its plan to move forward with drilling in the Marcellus Shale.  Trout Unlimited asks Governor David Paterson and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis to extend the comment period to at least 90 days in order to allow the public a thorough review of the document. 

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