Coalition of environmental groups urge New York officials to hold off on proposed fracking rules

Earlier today, a coalition of environmental groups announced it believes that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)  is jumping the gun on their proposed fracking laws and should wait until environmental and public health reviews are complete before moving forward. 

"New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) proposed fracking rules fall short of protecting New York residents," the group said in a press release issued by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network as the fracking debate in NY continues.

The coalition cited inadequate drinking water supplies and buildings due to proposed setbacks; a lack of a wastewater disposal plan; and a failure by the proposed regulations to require full disclosure of all fracking chemicals that the coalition said would leave first responders at risk and doctors uninformed. 

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has drawn criticism from anti-fracking groups, is expected to release his state's plan for drilling in the next month.