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Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to environmental conservation
- Referred to environmental conservation
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S3861
Title of bill
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the use of hydraulic fracturing fluids
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this bill is to provide greater regulation of the use of hydraulic fracturing fluids used for oil and gas drilling.
Summary of specific provisions
This bill would require the Department of Environmental Conservation to develop the following rules and regulations:
*requiring the disclosure of hydraulic fracturing fluids; and,
*prohibiting the use of hydraulic fracturing fluids containing chemicals that pose a risk to human health including, but not limited to, fluids that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (as defined by the EPA) or are known mutagen.
*prohibit the issuance of drilling permits for wells proposing to use hydraulic fracturing fluids until the DEC has adopted rules and regulations.
Effects of present law which this bill would alter
Amends section 23-0305 (8) (d) of the Environmental Conservation Law.
Justification
New York is home to rich natural gas reserves. In 2006, there were 6,213 active natural, gas wells that generated a state record of 55.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The Marcellus formation that extends from the Southern Tier into Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia is estimated to have $1 trillion worth of natural gas, and is largely untapped. The rising price of natural gas has led to an increased demand for new sources and made formation like the Marcellus even more attractive.
The extraction of these reserves is accompanied by considerable risk to the environment. In order to fully examine this risk, the Assembly Environmental Conservation committee has held a series of hearings to examine the environmental protections needed in the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) natural gas and oil drilling regulatory structure in order to safeguard natural resources. In the course of these hearings, much expert testimony was presented on necessary steps to ensure the safety of New York's precious water resources.
The use of hydraulic fracturing fluids represents one of the most significant potential threats to New York's environment, including water and soil resources. Because of the potential for such environmental and human exposure, it makes sense to ensure that the safest chemicals are used in such fluids and the contents are fully disclosed.
Prior legislative history
2010: S.8321/A.10091A 2011-2012: S.425/A.2922
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None
Effective date
This act shall take effect 90 days after enactment.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.