Copyrighted Image? DMCA | A delay of hydrofracking permit approvals is anticipated as Dr. Nirav Shah, Commissioner of the NY Department of Health has announced he will examine the issue before NY proceeds with an unprecedented expansion in gas drilling.
Despite years of research and debate, NY remains deeply divided over the risks of shooting high pressure chemicals believed to be carcinogenic into the ground to release natural gas. At issue is not only the chemical run off that is mixed into state waterways, or the threat of contamination to drinking water, but the energy industry's practice of suppressing data relevant to scientific study of health impacts. Going back years, the industry has hidden records of contamination from the EPA and other officials. The Commissioner will surely want to get these many settlements unsealed for an honest evaluation of the risks involved. |