James Greer Mid Point

Hydraulic Fracturing, or hydrofracking, is a controversial form of energy extraction that is beginning to gain popularity throughout the nation. Using a high enough pressure, a collection of chemicals can be pushed through the Earth, cracking shale and releasing pockets of natural gas that can then be used as fuel. New York State rests atop the Marsellus Shale, a massive reserve for natural gas. While Hydraulic fracturing would mean a more energy independent New York, there is a concern that fracking could negatively affect the water supply in the Empire State. Two major New York watersheds exist within the Marsellus Shale. This past year, the New York State Assembly put hydrofracking in a moratorium state, meaning that for another year, hydrofracking will be banned. This is the third time the state government has issued this ban. While this means that hydrofracking’s usefulness will not be reevaluated until later in 2014, there still remains an active debate in the state on the part that hydrofracking could play in the lives of New Yorkers. Lobbyist groups from both sides have stated their cases in the Assembly and Senate, but there are also farmers and business groups that have voiced their support for and against hydraulic fracturing.

• What is Hydraulic Fracturing, making reference to Gasland and other sources.
• How these sources on hydrofracking have influenced and changed the minds of New Yorkers on fracking.
• Why groups of farmers have been in support of fracking even when presented with the potential downsides.
• Profiling anti-fracking groups and organizations and the work they are doing.
• What pro frackers have said in the face of evidence such as Gasland and other sources.
• Findings from the DEC and the Department of Health.
• What ripple effects could set in the state if fracking is allowed (i.e. wildlife affected, water)
• The chances of the moratorium being lifted in 2014
• What anti fracking groups will do in the meantime while the moratorium is in effect.
• Conclusion

Four Images:
Map of the Marsellus Shale
http://asnews.syr.edu/newsevents_2012/releases/Project_SWIFT_Hydrofracking.html

Diagram of the Fracking Process and Fracking Drill
http://www.citizenscampaign.org/campaigns/hydro-fracking.asp

Image of Protesters at the Well in Albany, NY
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Fracking-foes-push-drilling-ban-2681557.php

Farmers Rejecting Fracking Ban
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/12/ny_farmers_reject_anti-hydrofracking_position_at_farm_bureau_meeting.html