The event was organized to allow gas drilling advocates to explain their position on why they believe this will have a positive impact on our region. Some of the reasons mentioned; new job creation, new investments, new revenue streams, as well as reduced tax burden for local residents and businesses. 

 

Officials from multiple sectors joined Fiala, Thursday, in delivering informed and more positive drilling arguments. Those participating in the news conference included, Don Siegel Ph.D, a Syracuse University Hydrogeology Professor who is an expert on how the activity impacts water resources. Alex Parillo, a representative from Local 785, spoke on behalf of organized labor across the Southern Tier. He sees this as an opportunity to put his members to work. Talisman Energy’s Director of Government and Media Relations Mark Scheuerman promoted his company and the industry’s responsible approach to drilling in the Marcellus Shale. Lou Santoni, President and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber touted the positive potential economic benefits and Dr. Kevin Drumm, President of Broome Community College, talked about his previous experience in working with the gas industry in Wyoming.

 

“We can reap the economic benefit while still protecting our environment” said Executive Fiala. “These two goals are not mutually exclusive and I strongly believe that New York State can manage this industry and still do its job protecting the citizens of our state and our environment.”

 

“There is a lot of misinformation out there about the impacts of hydraulic fracturing and much of it is false,” said Dr. Siegel. “I encourage everyone to do their homework and rely on the science of hydraulic fracturing and not the fear that is being spread by groups opposed to drilling.”

 

“We are a responsible industry that looks forward to working with state, regional and local stakeholders to develop the Marcellus Shale properly and safely in New York State,” said Mark Scheuerman, Talisman Energy’s Director of Government and Media Relations.

 

 

“Our community needs new sources of revenues and this is a tremendous economic opportunity for our region” said Chamber President & CEO Lou Santoni. “The job creation and investment couldn’t come at a more opportune time. Our businesses and industries are being taxed well beyond reasonable levels. This will provide new sources of tax revenue for local, regional and state government.

 

“While the community college has not and probably will not take a position on whether natural gas development should occur in the region, I can tell you from my previous experiences in Wyoming that the industry and the state of Wyoming worked together to implement strong environmental regulations and oversight and there is no reason that cannot happen here as well,” said BCC President Dr. Kevin Drumm. “In addition, natural gas is cleaner, cheaper and it is a natural resource that is abundant in New York State and should be tapped.”

 

County Executive Fiala said New York State has the strongest reputation for environmental protection and that this industry would be properly regulated and monitored if DEC is given the opportunity to do its job and is resourced properly. She urged New York State to work with the industry to help our struggling region and state provide new jobs and new revenue streams.

 

Fiala reiterated that Natural Gas is an energy source that is clean, abundant, domestic and ready now. She believes that by using natural gas we can immediately create new clean energy jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and pave the way to a cleaner energy future for our nation.