Audubon New York Applauds Fracking Ban

December 17, 2014 - The following statement is from Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York, the 50,000 member state program of the National Audubon Society, commending Governor Andrew Cuomo, DEC Commissioner Joseph Martens and acting Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker on their assessment and prohibition of fracking in New York State.

“Today’s decision by Governor Andrew Cuomo and his Administration highlights the importance of basing environmental and public health decisions on sound science,” said Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York. “We applaud DEC Commissioner Joseph Martens and acting Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker and their staffs for their thoughtful and rigorous analysis that fully assesses the impacts of High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing. The right science-based decision was made today and will protect people, birds, other wildlife and their habitats. Audubon New York is grateful for their leadership.”

Audubon New York is the state’s leading voice for the conservation and protection of natural resources for birds. Integrating science, conservation, policy and education, Audubon’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitat for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. With 50,000 members and 27 affiliated chapters state-wide, Audubon New York oversees seven sanctuaries and centers, from Long Island to western New York, and protects priority habitats, including more than 130 Important Bird Areas identified as critical for the conservation of birds.

CONTACT:
Claudette Thornton
Audubon New York
518-869-9731 – cthornton@audubon.org