NYS moratorium I live in central NYS where the state DEC has been conducting studies on the environmental impact of " high volume hydrofracking" for 3 or more years, and is about to extend the moratorium for a study of the Health impacts of same.
However, I have been told by a DEC official that the GASFRAC process is not under the moratorium and can get a permit for drilling now. I have heard that perhaps as far back as 3 years or so about 3 or 4 wells were drilled in the Marcellus play in the states south of us (PA, VA ??). Does anyone know what happened there ? Was all of the needed GASFRAC equipment used in the process shipped from CA to those East soast US states for this limited amount of drilling ?
Funny that we don't hear anything from the industry about GASFRACing....may be to expensive for them, so they're keeping quiet about it while they continue to promote high volume hydrofracking ?
On the other side of things, I have brought the GASFRAC process to the attention of those actively opposing hydrofracking (which they call "fracking" and thus include GASFRACing in their criticisms). The response was very irritating. Instead of seeing the process as a much environmentally safer alternative to hydrofracking, which a reasonable person should be able to assume, armed with the facts, they essentially refuse to even take an "open minded" look at the process. Their response is tatamount to "Don't confuse me with the facts". I was "blown off". Apparently, it has the potential of taking the wind out of their sails, and apparently, that is the last thing they want....as I have learned that some of the leaders are not just against "hydrofracking", but they want to prevent all drilling whatsoever......However, if they reveal this as their real goal I believe that they fear that they would lose much of their support....especially in view of the economic boom and low unemployment rates in other states that are drilling today.
A few months ago, Southern Tier counties in NYS announced that they would be promoting drilling using GASFRAC, apparently well aware that it is not under moratorium. GASFRAC officials also mentioned the planned activity in their reports earlier this year. Now with GASFRAC's recent pullback to CA and TX area I wonder what will happen with those plans. I agree with the GASFRAC conclusion that acceptance of the process by both the drilling industry and the general public is sorely needed and the key to success. Right now the general public is being told that all "fracking" is bad. Perhaps a good PR campaign is needed, especially if it is supported (and partially funded ?) by GASFRAC's existing and satisfied drilling partners.There is a lot of potential gas in NYS, some in the Marcellus, which some have told us is limited to the area near the PA line, but most of central NY sits on top of some rather thick deposits of the Utica shale which should provide a good yield of gas and possibly some oil (???). NYS could use the economic shot in the arm....and, by the same token, has a terrific environment that must be protected. I believe that GASFRAC is the answer and have placed my trust in them and their stock. NYS, with all it's opposition to "hydrofracking" and the widespread awareness of the whole exploration issue because of it, is a prime spot for GASFRAC to become the "process of choice" for the general public, with a good strong public education push. Since there has not been any activity in the shale gas and oils of NY State to speak of, and since drilling in NY has been frustrated for years by a moratorium and studies upon studies,, New York is prime for GASFRAC to make a huge presence and impact here..