Democracy Now! Reports on Gas Drilling in NY

Environmental Battle Brews in New York over Natural Gas Drilling

Last week, government regulators opened the door to natural gas drilling inside the Marcellus Shale watershed, which supplies drinking water to some 15 million people, including nine million New Yorkers. Stretching from New York to Kentucky, the shale is believed to hold some of the world’s largest deposits of natural gas. Proponents say the drilling will boost the nation’s economic recovery and reduce dependence on foreign oil. But environmentalists are warning the drilling could contaminate New York’s water supply as it has in other states. The proposed regulations are now open for public comment until the end of the next month, followed by a final decision early next year.

Sharif Abdel Kouddous, sitting in for Amy Goodman, interviews three guests on DEMOCRACY NOW! seen on Free Speech TV Channel 9415 (DISH Network).

Guests:
Albert Appleton, Former commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and former director of the New York City Water and Sewer System. Teaches courses in sustainability and economics at Hunter College and Cooper Union.

Brad Gill, Executive director of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York, an oil industry trade group which supports drilling in the Marcellus Shale.

Joe Levine, co-founder of the groups Damascus Citizens for Sustainability and NY-H2O.

DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY!
NO DRILLING IN NY WATERSHEDS!