JLCNY Begins Fundraising for Lawsuit Against NY for “Takings”

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The 77,000 member Joint Landowners Coalition of New York (JLCNY) is kicking their lawsuit against the state into high gear and asking for donations to help fund litigation. You may recall MDN interviewed Scott Kurkoski, lead attorney for the JLCNY, about their plans to sue New York for “takings” back in February (see video and transcript here: 77K NY Landowners Prepare Lawsuit Against DEC). Since that time, the JLCNY has finalized their plans, all the while hoping New York would change course at the last minute. They finally, reluctantly decided the clock has run out (see JLCNY Loses Faith in Cuomo, Initiates Lawsuit over Fracking Rules).

The lawsuit groundwork is ready. What’s needed now are several good plaintiffs—and money. Hence the fundraising appeal issued yesterday:

NY Landowners today announced that they are seeking contributions to fund the “Takings” lawsuit against NY State and ask all who share concern for state government seizing property rights to give generously to the fund.

Chemung Canal Trust Company in Binghamton, NY, will administer the fundraising account. Donations for the lawsuit can be made payable to “Landowner Defense Fund” and mailed to:

JLCNY
PO Box 2839
Binghamton, NY 13902

Attention: Landowner Defense Fund

Donations can also be made by credit card by visiting the JLCNY’s website and clicking on the Landowner Defense Fund PayPal Link at www.jlcny.org

The JLCNY is a 501(c)(6) non profit corporation. Contributions or gifts to the Landowner Defense Fund through the JLCNY are not tax deductible as charitable contributions.

“NY State has taken our property rights – we’re going to win them back,” said Dan Fitzsimmons, JLCNY president. “The southern tier has been devastated by the current administration. Broome and Tioga counties experienced the 10th largest percentage population drop in the country between 2010 and 2012 even though we are sitting on one of the biggest opportunities our state will see during our lifetimes. We have waited long enough. Now we need help to battle a government that has taken away our rights and our opportunities to save our farms, our land and our families.”

The JLCNY indicates that once adequate funds are collected, the JLCNY’s legal team is ready to strike. The JLCNY has heard from people around the nation who are watching this case closely and who understand what’s at stake. People who understand that moving forward with natural gas development will bring the financial benefits to all New Yorkers, have an immediate impact on climate change, clean our air, dramatically reduce health impacts from air pollution and will allow our nation to come closer to achieving energy independence. This fundraising announcement gives them a way to help.

Further details about the specifics of the fundraising as well as the rationale and background on the lawsuit can be found at: www.JLCNY.org.

About The Joint Landowners Coalition of New York The mission of The Joint Landowners Coalition of New York (JLCNY) is to foster, promote, advance and protect the common interest of the people as it pertains to natural gas development though education and best environmental practices. JLCNY gathers and provides factual, objective information about safe and responsible natural gas development to landowners and community members.*

MDN is contributing to the Takings fund. We encourage all freedom-loving Americans (especially NY landowners) to contribute as well.

*Joint Landowners Coalition of New York (Mar 25, 2013) – NY Landowners Launch Legal Defense Fund (email received by MDN)

One Comment

  1. They also might want to consider Kickstarter which funded FrackNation and the “Veronica Mars” movie. Some acquaintances of mine recently raised over $20,000 for a documentary on…grammar!