Environmental groups warn Cuomo on fracking

Amid reports a decision on fracking in New York is imminent, several national environmental organizations sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo, urging him to heed concerns raised by local and statewide groups over fracking.

 “Across the nation, every place they frack we see water contamination, air pollution, terrible health implications, and great costs to local communities," said Margie Alt, executive director of Environment America. 

“The environmental impacts of fracking, like air and water pollution, are being ignored,” said Larry Schweiger, president of the National Wildlife Federation. 

In recent months, the New Jersey State Legislature voted to ban fracking waste and Vermont outlawed the practice entirely. Similar proposals are being considered in Illinois and California. 

Oil and gas companies released studies suggesting the process is safe.

Among organizations sending the letter were: American Rivers; Clean Water Action; Greenpeace USA; Earthworks;
Environment America; National Wildlife Federation; National Parks Conservation Association; Sierra Club and the Wilderness Society.