Journey to Ixtlan
On Tuesday, November 20, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the state will not meet a key regulatory deadline concerning proposed fracking for gas. The delay, which re-opens the public comment period, is to allow a medical panel time to evaluate the health risks associated with hydrofracking.
Gas industry mercenary Dan Fitzsimmons told reporters that Cuomo’s decision “is a breach of faith in our government and flies in the face of the promise that New York is beyond its dysfunction and truly open for new business investment.”
Governor Cuomo responded to Fitzsimmons’ comment by telling a reporter, “Yeah, well they get paid to make an argument, and that’s what they do.”
The idea of a health-impact study had long been considered by the pro-environment citizens in the state. For some time, it had been deemed “too expensive” by state officials. However, at the April meeting that I arranged for representatives of the state-wide grass roots activists with Robert Kennedy, Jr., the possibility was raised by Ithaca College scholar-in-residence Sandra Steingraber. (Older D.U.ers may recall a photo of Sandra, Robert, and I from the meeting, which I posted here.) Sandra not only had strong beliefs about the need for such a study -- she also had secured financial backing for it.
The Gannett News story that ran in the Wednesday, November 21 front-page article on Governor Cuomo’s decision quoted Dr. Steingraber: “People throughout New York do not want to be poisoned by fracking.”
Interesting, in an interview on radio, Governor Cuomo echoed this: “People don’t want to be poisoned.”
As the Democratic Underground’s waterman-in-residence, I’m pleased with this decision by Governor Cuomo. Of course, it does signal a possible shift in Governor Cuomo’s perception. More, as Rubin used to tell me, “Small doors sometimes open into large rooms.” Having the public comment period re-opened allows us a solid opportunity. And it may be what allows us to lobby with Michelle Obama, who I consider one of the most intelligent, compassionate, and capable individuals to ever inhabit Washington, DC.
Below is the letter that Yoko sent out, on behalf of Sean and her. Earlier today, I spoke with one of her best friends -- also active in the movement -- about the possibility of a waterman interview with them.
(On a final note, the son of my second-cousin and top assistant just called me. He is finishing up the last class he needs for his Masters. The final assignment is to interview a public servant, and he picked me! How cool is that?)
Keep on fighting the Good Fight, my forum friends. This is a unique period in our history. And no state or federal official or agency is going to “save” the United States. But we will. Believe it.
Peace,
H2O Man
Dear All,
I truly believe that all of your work against fracking had an effect on Governor Cuomo's recent comments.
We are glad that we have a wise and courageous Governor. We are immensely lucky.
In celebration of this amazing turn of events, I wish to thank you for all of your incredible efforts in working day and night and imagine a beautiful future for all of us.
For those of us living with fracking everyday already, we are with you. I know we are already in a frack free world in spirit.
We will be there in reality very, very soon!
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
Yoko & Sean
= new reply since forum marked as read
You rock Waterman! 
Good work H20! And you got Yoko's approval, even better. In fact that is really awesome!
Proud of you.
I'm so glad we have people like you in this country willing to fight for what is good for the planet -- and it's inhabitants.
Thank you so very, very much for all of you are doing on our behalf.
