March 10, 2010

Marcellus Shale: Shall We Drill?

Co-sponsored by
the New York City Bar Environmental Law Committee
and the Environmental Law Institute

Proposals to drill for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation have generated controversy. The New York State DEC (NYSDEC) received extensive comments on a draft environmental impact statement (EIS). Concerns were raised that the draft EIS did not adequately address a number of issues, including surface and ground water pollution, cumulative impacts, alternatives, and potential impacts to New York City’s drinking water supply. Commenters also questioned NYSDEC’s plan not to issue comprehensive regulations. Others suggested that the draft EIS goes too far, will set the highest bar in the country for industry, and does not suffer from shortcomings alleged by certain commenters. This program will examined the issues from all of these perspectives.

Moderator:
Jeff Gracer, Sive, Paget & Riesel, P.C.

Panelists:
Kate Sinding, NRDC
Thomas West, Counsel for Chesapeake Energy Corporation
Hilary Meltzer, New York City Corporation Counsel’s Office

mp3 Recording