Dear Governor Cuomo:
We, the undersigned Ohioans, are writing to request that you oppose shale gas extraction via ‘fracking’ in all areas of New York, to include the Southern tier. Such development would be irresponsible not only for the reasons outlined below, but also due to the lacking infrastructure for proper disposal of fracking waste products within your state.
Because neighboring New Jersey will not accept out of state fracking waste, Ohio becomes a likely target for the disposal of the fluid by-products of fracking. Ohio relies on class II injection wells for disposal of such fluids. In recent years we’ve experienced increasing numbers and magnitudes of earthquakes as a result of this process. A moratorium was issued by our state due to the severity of the issue. Thus, Ohio’s current injection well space is at or over capacity. Should we be expected to receive New York waste, our citizens will be forced to endure many more injection wells in their communities.
The undersigned Ohioans oppose more injection wells. As recently as this month the city of Cincinnati voted unanimously to ban waste injection wells and the NRDC and others submitted comments detailing the proposed regulations of Ohio injection wells do not meet minimum standards. See: http://ohiogasdrilling.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/nrdc_odnr_uic_comments_081512_final1.pdf
We also endorse the following:
1. Letter from eleven national environmental groups collectively representing millions of members nationwide. See: http://ecowatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/letter.pdf
2. Coalition letter with more than 22,000 signatories which requests that Governor Cuomo withdraw the Revised Draft SGEIS until 17 documented concerns have been fully resolved. See: http://www.toxicstargeting.com/MarcellusShale/cuomo/coalition_letter/2011
3. Coalition letter with more than 2,700 signatories that opposes any fracking “Demonstration Project” in the Southern Tier and requests strict enforcement of Executive Order No. 41. See: http://www.toxicstargeting.com/MarcellusShale/cuomo/coalition_letter/201…
Respectfully Submitted,
Kari Matsko, Director People’s Oil & Gas Collaborative- Ohio
Teresa Mills, Center for Health, Environment and Justice, Ohio field office
Cheryl Johncox, Executive Director Buckeye Forest Council
Sandy Buchanan, Executive Director Ohio Citizen Action
Heather Cantino, Athens County Fracking Action Network, Athens OH
Laurie Eliot-Shea/Nathan Johnson, No Frack Ohio Coalition
Greg Pace, Guernsey County Citizens Support on Drilling Issues, Columbus, OH
Bill Baker, Frack Free Ohio, Mansfield, OH
Monica Beasley-Martin, Defenders of the Earth Outreach Mission, Liberty, OH
Susie Beiersdorfer, Frackfree Mahoning Valley Trumbull/Mahoning Counties, OH
Kathie Jones, Concerned Citizens of Medina County Medina, OH
Lori Babbey, Concerned Citizens of Portage County Portage County, OH
Gwen B. Fischer, Concerned Citizens Ohio Portage County, OH
Terry Grange, Marengo OH 43334
Barbara R. Wolf, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Robin Webb Butler, Ohio 44822
Joanne Gerson, Southwest Ohio No Frack Forum
Jack Shaner, Deputy Director Ohio Environmental Council
John Rumpler, Senior Attorney Environment Ohio
Kathryn Hanratty, Water Advocate Frack-Free Geauga Chardon, OH
Fr.. Neil Pezzulo, Glenmary Home Missioners Cincinnati, Ohio
Lea Harper, FreshWater Accountability Project Grand Rapids, OH
Tish O’Dell, Co-Founder MADION, Mothers Against Drilling In Our Neighborhoods BroadviewHeights,OH
Chris Borello, President Concerned Citizens of Lake Twp./Uniontown IEL Superfund SiteUniontown,OH
Diana Ludwig, Frackfree America National Coalition Youngstown, OH
Lynn Anderson/Tim Raridon, Guardians of Mill Creek Park Youngstown, OH
Margaret Fenton, Berryfield Farm Centerburg, OH
Mary Greer, Concerned Citizens Ohio/Shalersville Shalersville, OH
Dr. Deborah Fleming Professor of English and Chair of the Department Ashland University