OPINION: What the frack? New Yorkers demand energy, yet stall
Today, new technologies for unlocking natural gas have revolutionized the industry. A half-century old process called hydraulic fracturing combined with a relatively new ability to drill horizontally in shale formations has made America more energy independent than it has been in 50 years. The Marcellus Shale, conveniently located here in the Northeast, has become one of the biggest international energy stories to emerge in the past five years.
Yet, New York has decided to “opt-out” of participating in this economic opportunity. That does not mean that our state does not like to consume natural gas. According to statistics published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2012 New York consumed 1.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Statewide, 29 percent went to heat homes, and 40 percent was consumed to make electricity.
So what has New York decided to do about it? We have decided to say no to this new technology. The State has essentially shut down the natural gas producing industry through a moratorium, a decision to not issue permits for the production of shale gas within the boundaries of New York State.