atural gas hearings draw huge crowds; most critical of proposed DRBC regs

HONESDALE – A pair of hearings on proposed natural gas regulations drew big crowds on both sides of the Delaware River.  The larger crowd, by far, filled a school auditorium in Honesdale, where about 500 showed for the afternoon hearing.  Another hearing was held in the evening.

Similar hearings were held across the river in Sullivan County NY, but drew smaller crowds.

One common theme at the hearings was disdain for the new regulations proposed by the Delaware River Basin Commission. 

Many of the speakers were advocates of natural gas drilling and felt the regulations go way to far in restricting an opportunity to reap an economic benefit from Marcellus Shale formation.

Wayne County Commissioner Anthony Herzog, contending the proposed regulations duplicate what is in place, said the regulations give the DRBC “czar-lie powers”.

Critics of natural gas exploration included several organizations.

A speaker representing the Delaware Riverkeeper Network accused the DRBC of “rushing up to meet” drilling companies, allowing them to “run wild”. 

Catskill Mountainkeeper Program Director Wes Gillingham said the DRBC should not move forward “without a cumulative impact study”. 

Agreeing with that contention was New York Congressman Maurice Hinchey, a Democrat, who submitted written testimony.

“Unfortunately, I do not believe that the draft regulations adequately address the risks posed by natural gas drilling, and I would urge the Commission to suspend the current rulemaking process due to a lack of scientific data as well as recent revelations concerning previously unreported hydraulic fracturing practices.”

The DRBC declared a moratorium on any new drilling permits, last summer.  The moratorium will remain in place until new regulations are adopted.  The earliest that could come likely will be this summer.

(Source: http://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/February/23/23Feb11-1.html)