(New York, NY) - Senator José M. Serrano joined New Yorkers Against Fracking, Food & Water Watch, elected officials, and other environmental advocates at a press conference on the steps of City Hall to highlight the numerous dangers associated with hydrofracking, a highly environmentally hazardous natural gas drilling method being considered for implementation in New York State. As of February 2013, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has delayed the issuing of the final Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) on high-volume hydrofracking in New York until the Department of Health (DOH) completes public review of the health impacts associated with hydrofracking.

"The recent decision by the Governor to delay hydrofracking until further public review is a step in the right direction, but it is my hope that this practice is not implemented in the state," said Senator José M. Serrano. "Study after study have linked hydrofracking to contaminated groundwater, air pollution, illnesses, and death among wildlife.

"We must reject this practice that will endanger the well-being of countless New Yorkers and our environment. Our communities deserve better, and we must protect our State for generations to come. I strongly urge Governor Cuomo to take the next step in adhering to the concerns of health experts, environmental experts, and the general public and refuse to issue any hydrofracking permits in New York State."