Before Release, a Hydraulic Fracturing Study for the State Draws Skepticism (NY, Fracking)

[alp227]

Source: The New York Times

New York State environmental officials commissioned a study of impacts of natural gas hydraulic fracturing from a consulting firm that counts oil and gas companies among its clients and that could gain business from increased drilling in the state.

The $223,000 study of the effects of “hydrofracking” on the economy and the quality of life was conducted by Ecology and Environment Inc., a global environmental and engineering services company based in Lancaster, N.Y.

The study has yet to be released, but some community, environmental and government watchdog groups say the company’s ties to the drilling industry undermine its credibility — no matter what the report concludes.

“I’m not saying they’re bad,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, which does not want this kind of drilling to start until the state strengthens regulations of the industry. “I’m saying let’s not be confused. This is not an objective analysis done in the public interest. They went to someone with whom they have a work relationship and that also does work for energy interests.”

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/03/nyregion/skepticism-directed-at-study-of-impact-of-hydraulic-fracturing.html?pagewanted=all

[russspeakeasy]

1. Damned job killing regulations...

just frack. What could possibly go wrong ?:sarcasm:

[greiner3]

2. Begs the question;

Who ordered this expensive test from these idiots in the first place? Can I put them under citizens arrest?

[cyberpj]

4. Right there in the first sentence -

"New York State environmental officials commissioned a study of impacts..."

Now that the study is tainted we might as well find out how many of the 'officials' have similar connections.

[disndat]

3. Big oil and a jobs-hungry upstate NY -

a deadly mix.

[Uncle Joe]

5. Kicked and recommended for an objective analysis without conflict of interest's stench.

Thanks for the thread, alp.