Arcuri Responds to Postponement of EPA Forum

Press Release

Today, U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24) issued the following statement after it was announced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has postponed a forum, originally scheduled in Binghamton and abruptly relocated to Syracuse on August 12, 2010, to discuss their proposed Hydraulic Fracturing Research Study.

"As has been demonstrated by the enormous public interest in the EPA's forum on the proposed Hydraulic Fracturing Research Study, New York State is engaged in a heated debate on whether or not to develop our natural gas reserves contained in the Marcellus Shale Deposits. As we move forward, the opportunity for public comment is essential and I greatly look forward to expressing the views of my constituents on this issue who were not able to attend."

"I hope the EPA will reschedule this forum as quickly as possible because I, like many others, have grave concerns surrounding the safety of natural gas drilling. While there is no doubt that the development of our natural gas reserves has great economic potential, we must ensure that a rush to drill does not irreparably contaminate our most precious natural resource-our abundant supply of clean drinking water. By taking the time to carefully examine this issue, I am confident we can ensure both."

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