New York Leaders Call on Governor Cuomo to 'Energize Upstate Now'

Upstate New Yorkers Participate in Events From Albany and Across the State in Support of Development of New York's Natural Gas Resources ALBANY, N.Y. - A broad coalition of business, labor, landowner, nonprofit and political leaders today called on Governor Cuomo to 'Energize Upstate Now' at rallies in Albany and points west in support of development of the state's natural gas resources. Hundreds of concerned citizens left their farms and workplaces to participate in today's rallies in Albany, Binghamton, Candor, Corning and Oneonta. Many local and state officials and business and community leaders were among the participants at each of the 'Energize Upstate Now' rallies, being held just one day before the end of the public comment period on proposed regulations for gas drilling in the State. "Governor Cuomo and New York State leaders have the ability to create thousands of high paying jobs and billions of dollars in government revenue with the decision to move forward in developing the state's natural gas resources," said Greg Lancette, Political Director of the New York State Pipetrades Association. "The group is encouraged by and thankful for Governor Cuomo's leadership which makes private-sector job creation a priority. After years of careful review, it is time for New York State to make the most of this opportunity in a safe and responsible way." New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has estimated that more than 50,000 jobs could be created from the development of the state's portion of the Marcellus Shale. Much of this job creation would occur in areas of the state, which have suffered for decades from the decline of manufacturing and industry, and the out-migration of its young people. According to a recent study from the Public Policy Institute, a natural gas job could pay more than $79,184 annually, on average. The DEC has developed stringent regulations to make certain natural gas resources will be developed safely and responsibly. Industry leaders have demonstrated their commitment to help with this process by crafting industry standards such as construction practices, environmental and reclamation efforts, and water use and management procedures. New York State's DEC began a comprehensive review of the impact of proposed gas drilling in February 2009 and in September 2011 released the revised draft regulations governing all aspects of high volume hydraulic fracturing in. Over the past several months, the public has had an opportunity to comment on the proposed regulations at four public hearings held round the state. "It is time for New York to move forward with safe and responsible development of New York State's natural gas resources," said Tom Shepstone, Campaign Manager of Energy In Depth – Northeast Marcellus Initiative. "New York can do its part to move our nation to greater energy independence and help to get people working and our economy growing." Local business owners and landowners will join leaders from the American Petroleum Institute (API), America's Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA), Corning Gas, Dryden Safe Energy, Energy In Depth – Northeast Marcellus Initiative (EID), Independent Oil & Gas Association (IOGA), Farm Bureau, New York State Petroleum Council, Tioga County Economic Development, The Three Rivers Development Corporation, the New York State Pipetrades Association in participating at today's rallies.

Melvin Wylie