New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor), announced the Assembly passed legislation that he sponsored suspending the Department of Environmental Conservation’s issuance of new natural gas drilling permits for horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing – known as hydrofracking – in New York until 2017 (A.5424-B).

“Because of the potential health risks associated with hydrofracking, we have to proceed cautiously,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “We cannot put our families at risk until we know for sure the consequences. The Assembly’s legislation gives us time to make an informed decision regarding hydrofracking and the possible beneficial or detrimental effects it could have on us and the environment.”

Hydrofracking is a method of extracting natural gas from underground rock formations through the injection of a chemical cocktail and highly pressurized water. There is concern that hydrofracking could have serious negative impacts on the environment and our health, including contamination of clean drinking water supplies, destruction of surrounding land and habitat, and increased air pollution, noted Thiele.

Thiele added that studies are underway examining the long-term effects of hydrofracking on the environment and public health. Many of these studies are expected to be completed within the next three years.

“Although hydrofracking can yield enormous amounts of natural gas, we need to get all the facts about the possible risks and hazards,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “More time is needed to help us decide what is best for local communities.”