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Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, joined fellow lawmakers Wednesday in the Assembly to pass legislation to have a health impact assessment conducted concerning the effects of horizontal gas drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing.
Currently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is conducting an environmental study on the effects of natural gas exploration and hydraulic fracturing extraction. The environmental study being conducted does not address health impacts, which led to legislation calling for the assessment to be performed.
"There is no question we need to find solutions for more power production here in America and the state of New York," Ceretto said. "However, we need to ensure any new power sources, such as natural gas, are extracted safely and will not have any adverse effects on our health or well-being."
Assembly Bill 10234 authorizes the State University of New York to conduct a comprehensive study of the potential effects of hydraulic fracturing. The study will focus on the impact of air and water quality, childhood development, food and nutrition, as well as the potential costs to health care.
"It is my hope this study will provide a better understanding of the effects of natural gas extraction and provide solutions for more power production in our state, while ensuring the health and safety of our environment," Ceretto said.