Fracking Banned in New York

This past December, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo passed a statewide ban on hydraulic fracking, a major win for New York environmentalists. The dangers of fracking, recently confirmed by the New York Health Department, include flammable water, radioactive waste, and hydrocarbon emissions.

Now, activists are setting their sights on other natural gas developments in New York, such as gas pipelines, storage facilities, and compressor stations, which all come with environmental problems of their own.

Photo: Reuters

The fact that New York has been able to successfully ban hydraulic fracking gives hope to those of us who believe that environmental and social well-being should take be a greater priority than simply making a profit. Hydraulic fracking is still taking place in 21 states, but municipalities such as Boulder and Beverly Hills have been able to implement local zoning ordinances to prevent fracking to occur in their area. The only other state that has managed to ban fracking is Vermont.

Oil companies are not backing down, however, promising an economic boost for towns that allow fracking to take place. As a result, it is primarily economically poor areas where fracking occurs. While oil companies will no doubt continue to find towns which will allow for fracking to occur, New York can stand out as an example to those who don’t want hydraulic fracking to take place in their hometowns.

Source: http://www.vice.com/read/environmentalists-gear-up-for-next-phase-of-new-york-fracking-wars-1218

Photo: http://www.ibtimes.com/fracking-ban-new-york-decision-could-embolden-lawmakers-elsewhere-outlaw-practice-1762726