NY Marcellus Shale Drilling Regulations Ready by Fall 2010?

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When will the new Marcellus shale drilling regulations be ready in New York State? That’s the multi-million dollar question for both energy companies and landowners. Pro-drilling groups are pushing for the new regs to be released by early summer, but the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the agency tasked with rewriting the regulations, is now making noise about “late summer or early fall.”

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Alexander “Pete” Grannis, speaking to the state Business Council on Thursday, said the Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) could be finalized by late summer or early fall, according to media reports.

The reports also indicated drilling permits could be issued by the end of the year.*

According to Richard Downey, a landowner and member of the Unatego Area Landowners Association:

“This is the first time he’s [Grannis] said it and I tend to believe him,” Downey said. “My own opinion is the man has always kept his word and his own schedule.”*

*Oneonta Daily Star (Apr 19) – Drilling regs could be final by fall

Also see: Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin (Apr 15) – N.Y. review of Marcellus hits snags

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