Hoylman: “I’m proud that today New York State stood up to Big Oil and shale industry profiteers in favor of our kids”

New York, NY — Today, Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) issued the following statement in response to the Department of Environmental Conservation’s announcement that it will issue a legally-binding findings statement prohibiting hydrofracking in New York State:

“I commend Governor Cuomo’s administration for its decision to ban hydrofracking in New York State. The Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health have completed exhaustive studies that further support what I and so many of my constituents have argued for years – that hydrofracking is risky to our health and environment. 

“Acting Department of Health commissioner Howard Zucker’s comments that after reviewing the studies he wouldn’t personally live in a community with fracking or let his child play in a field is a powerful testament to the seriousness and science-based fact-finding behind the Cuomo Administration’s review. 

“I’m proud that today New York State stood up to Big Oil and shale industry profiteers in favor of our kids, who deserve nothing less than our responsible stewardship of the environment.  The short-term economic gain from hydrofracking can never justify its long-term negative health and environmental impact. I thank Governor Cuomo, DEC Commissioner Martens and DOH Acting Commissioner Zucker for their national leadership on this vital issue.”

###