Why Did Maryland Decide to Allow Fracking but New York Didn’t?
How could two liberal, eastern states review the science of fracking and make opposite decisions about whether or not to proceed? That question has been rolling around our heads since last week. MDN even mentioned it in passing–that just a few weeks ago outgoing liberal Democrat Gov. Martin O’Malley (Maryland) has given fracking the green light in his state (see Maryland Gets Ready to Frack! Gov O’Malley Files New Regulations). But last week, liberal Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo (New York) put the brakes on fracking in his state (see After 6+ Years, Andrew Cuomo Bans Fracking in New York). Two different states, same “science” reviewed–why the difference? A (surprisingly) well-written article in the Washington Post tackles and answers that question…
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More evidence to support what MDN has been telling you: That nutjob anti-fossil fuelers are using the New York decision to ban fracking in an attempt to bully other states (see 
The most compelling “let the science decide” reason for banning fracking in NY given by Gov. Andrew Cuomo? Because his hand-picked Commissioner of the Dept. of Health, Howard Zucker, said he wouldn’t let his own kids play outside near a fracking site. If you actually read the biased report filed by Zucker, you find the following: a) Zucker says there are no scientific conclusions, as of yet, that fracking harms “public health”–he clearly admits it, and b) he laundry lists a bunch of “studies” and reports that are not peer reviewed, not published, and funded by anti-drilling groups to disparage fracking. He overlooked and left out published, peer reviewed studies that say fracking doesn’t harm people. That is, Zucker stacked the deck, he loaded the dice–whatever metaphor you want to use. The outcome was predetermined (a political decision by Cuomo) and Zucker prostituted himself and has permanently damaged his own reputation by being the “fall guy” for Cuomo’s decision. We expect it’s a quid pro quo–Zucker finds against fracking in return for moving from “Acting” Commissioner to full Commissioner at the DOH–a job he’s clearly not qualified for. Keep an eye out for Zucker’s permanent appointment in the near future. When you see it, you’ll know the fix was in…
Every Saturday the one-hour Shale Gas News show airs on Scranton, PA’s 94.3 FM “The Talker” radio station. The show is co-hosted by Kevin Lynn of Linde Corporation and Bill desRosiers from Cabot Oil & Gas. MDN editor Jim Willis knows Bill and counts him as a friend. Bill asked Jim to join he and Kevin on this past Saturday’s program to discuss the New York decision to ban shale drilling. Below is the lineup for the show (Jim appeared at the beginning of the program), along with an option to listen to a recording of the full hour. MDN will bring you the latest program show notes and recordings for Shale Gas News each week (well worth your time to listen)…
New York State remains closed for business. It is the single most business unfriendly state in the union, we’re ashamed to admit. But face the truth we must. Yesterday, NY Gov. Andrew “spineless” Cuomo took heat and questions from reporters over his decision to ban fracking in the Empire State. It was a shameful performance–he once again tried to hide behind the skirts of his health and environmental commissioners. Here’s some of his comments to reporters:
Yesterday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo held a rare cabinet meeting to discuss a variety of issues. The main focus of the meeting, however, was to announce Cuomo’s decision to ban fracking in New York. NY State Dept. of Health Howard Zucker presented his agency’s “review” of so-called impacts of fracking on public health. The entire charade was well-scripted to insulate Cuomo from the decision to ban fracking in the state, making it seem as if “science” has determined fracking is not safe. Zucker recounted the process his agency pursued in reviewing available studies and evidence of the possible affects of shale drilling on those who live near it. Zucker’s repeated claim was that there is not enough evidence, not enough “gold standard” studies thus far, to prove that fracking is not a health risk. Zucker intentionally chose prove a negative, which is a logical fallacy (you can’t prove a negative). Immediately following Zucker’s dog and pony show, NY Commissioner for the Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Joe Martens, said a) with all of the town bans happening, fracking would only be allowed in maybe 30% of the state, that the economic benefits are far less than originally thought, and b) given Zucker’s findings that fracking may not be safe, he (Martens) would close out the draft regulations, known as the SGEIS, and that he (Martens) would not allow fracking for the foreseeable future. Cuomo pretentiously said, “I don’t even think I have a role here.” Below we have the “report” from Zucker, a video of the cabinet meeting, and reaction to this carefully scripted and choreographed decision…
This is a very sad day for all New Yorkers. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has decided to not proceed with high volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the state. MDN editor Jim Willis has just finished listening to a live announcement in which the State Dept. of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker embarrassed himself by admitting he relied on shoddy rumors and flawed studies–and even lack of studies–to draw the conclusion that fracking should not be allowed. Zucker repeatedly said “there’s not enough research” to convince him that fracking is safe for NY’s human population.