(ALBANY, NY)-In response to an announcement today by Chesapeake Energy Corporation that the company will not drill for natural gas within the upstate New York region that supplies drinking water to millions of New York City residents, Environmental Advocates of New York released the following statement. 

“Environmental Advocates of New York recognizes Chesapeake Energy Corporation’s pledge to avoid drilling in the New York City watershed. However, the company’s announcement is not cause for celebration. Chesapeake is one of many companies vying for rights to drill in the Marcellus Shale Formation. But once the company’s gas leases expire in five years, there is no telling who may take them up or what their intentions will be. Chesapeake’s pledge is not legally enforceable and provides no guarantees,” said Katherine Nadeau, Water & Natural Resources Program Associate for Environmental Advocates of New York.

“New York’s watersheds deserve better than a five-year pledge from a single company. All of the State’s drinking water and every one of our communities must be protected from the dangers of high volume hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, known as ‘fracking.’ To protect New York’s water resources, the State’s Department of Environmental Conservation needs to enact transparent, enforceable regulations that will apply to all watersheds; New York State should not trust the fox to guard the henhouse,” continued Nadeau.

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Environmental Advocates of New York's mission is to protect our air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. We work to support and strengthen the efforts of New York's environmental community and to make our state a national leader. The tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.