"New York has taken an aggressive approach to
protecting our natural resources by banning hydrofracking and advancing a
nation-leading environmental agenda that is accelerating our transition to a
carbon-neutral green economy," Governor Cuomo said. "As we do
everything possible to reduce our reliance on polluting fossil fuels, we have
to make every effort to diminish the impact of the hazardous waste they produce
and by signing this legislation we are enacting smart, necessary regulations
that will protect both our environment and New Yorker's health."
Senator Rachel May said, "Central and Upstate New York
are home to precious freshwater resources that our advocates have spent years
fighting to protect against dangerous fracking waste. Today, New York takes
another step forward as an environmental leader. I am incredibly proud that my
colleagues in the Senate and Assembly have closed this dangerous loophole that
has put our waterways and our health in jeopardy, and I thank Governor Cuomo
for signing this bill into law."
Assembly member Steve Englebright said, "New York State
has often had to step up when the federal government falls short, especially
when it comes to environmental protection. New York is a leader in this regard,
and I'm proud to sponsor legislation to close a huge loophole in how hazardous
waste produced by the oil and gas industry is regulated. I wish to thank
Governor Cuomo for signing this legislation into law."
All such waste will be subject to current State law
regulating the transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous
waste. The legislation goes into effect immediately.
New York Ban on Fracking in FY 2021 Enacted Budget
In April, Governor Cuomo signed the FY 2021 Enacted Budget
which codified the Governor's 2014 ban on the Department of Environmental
Conservation approving permits that would authorize an applicant to use
high-volume hydraulic fracturing as a means to complete or recomplete a well.
The budget also included a moratorium on future gelled propane hydrofracking
applications until the DEC can conduct an analysis of the impacts of this
completion method. This will protect the health of New Yorkers and permanently
ensure that our environment is not harmed by this practice.
