U.S. Chamber Disappointed with New York’s Decision to Ban Oil and Gas Development

Press Release
December 17, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, today issued the following statement following Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that New York will ban hydraulic fracturing to develop oil and gas resources:
 
“Governor Cuomo’s announcement today that he will ban hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas resources is bad news for New York’s citizens and economy. While neighboring cities and towns in Pennsylvania are benefiting from new jobs and badly needed new revenue, struggling communities in New York’s Southern Tier will continue to be left out. 
 
“Governor Cuomo’s decision is directly at odds with findings from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Interior and Energy, the White House, and numerous Governors and federal officials from both parties. America’s shale revolution has already safely created more than 2 million jobs and will continue to drive our economy for years to come. Unfortunately, with this decision, New York will continue to be left behind, and it will be the citizens and families most in need of jobs and public services—which are lacking—that will suffer the consequences.”
 
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
 
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.