An ecological threat. An economic development engine. Hydrofracking has been called both.

As New York sets the ground rules for this controversial energy reality, we explore the issues exclusive to the state, including the flashpoint of the hydrofracking debate: home rule versus pre-emption,

WCNY Public Affairs Director Susan Arbetter hosts the program, It debuts on WCNY Monday, February 6, 2011 at 9 p.m.

A Sample of Hydraulic Fracturing (Hydro-Fracking) Web Resources

Environmental Protection Agency

http://www.epa.gov/hydraulicfracture/

This United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) web page provides basic information about hydraulic fracturing and discusses what the EPA is doing to ensure that if hydraulic fracturing is done, it is done responsibly.  Information about an EPA Study about the impact of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water is also featured.

Citizens Campaign for the Environment

http://www.citizenscampaign.org/campaigns/hydro-fracking.asp

This is the website of Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE), formed in 1985 by a small group of concerned citizens who wanted to foster public involvement to advance stronger environmental policy. Today, after 25 years as a not-for-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization, CCE has grown to an 80,000-member organization with offices in Farmingdale, NY, White Plains, NY, Albany, NY, Syracuse, NY, Buffalo, NY, and Hamden, CT. CCE engages in education, research, lobbying and public outreach. One of its primary goals is to help citizens increase their influence and participation in important environmental campaigns. CCE's experienced program staff works to identify key environmental concerns in communities across New York State and Connecticut.

Natural Resources Defense Council

http://www.nrdc.org/energy/gasdrilling/

This environmental issues site provides an overview of natural gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing with additional links to information.  The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) bills itself as the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.3 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals.  The organization uses law, science and the support of 1.3 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things.  It was founded in 1970 by a group of law students and attorneys at the forefront of the environmental movement. NRDC lawyers helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws.

Riverkeeper

http://www.riverkeeper.org/

Riverkeeper is a member-supported watchdog organization dedicated to defending the Hudson River and its tributaries and protecting the drinking water supply of nine million New York City and Hudson Valley residents.  The website monitors hydrofracking debates and developments and believes hydraulic fracturing is not appropriate for the river shed.

American Rivers

http://www.americanrivers.org/our-work/protecting-rivers/fracking/?gclid=CJDcrbnN2K0CFUPd4AodfRdYlw

American Rivers states on its website it is the leading organization working to protect and restore the nation’s rivers and streams.  This link brings you to an informative FAQ about hydrofracking and its relationship to rivers.   Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations.  Since 1973, American Rivers has helped protect and restore more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and the annual release of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®.  Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 100,000 supporters, members, and volunteers nationwide.

New YorkSierra Club

http://newyork.sierraclub.org/gas_drilling.html

This environmental organization’s Atlantic Chapter office deals with issues in New York State’s administrative, elected and public arenas.  The website features a series of New York Times articles regarding the dangers of hydrofracking as well

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

http://www.dec.ny.gov

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1,1970 to combine in a single agency all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment.  The DEC has been responsible for collecting comments from the public in reference to hydrofracking and information about this is on the website  The stated mission of the DEC is “to conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being." 

Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation

http://www.peacecouncil.net/NOON/hydrofrac/

Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON) is a grassroots organization of Central New Yorkers which recognizes and supports the sovereignty of the traditional government of the Onondaga.  It is a program of the Syracuse Peace Council.  Included on its website is information supporting NOON’s belief that hydrofracking is a threat to New York State lands.

The Wilderness Society

http://wilderness.org/

http://wilderness.org/content/hydraulic-fracturing-perils-does-your-state-protects-its-citizens-fracking?gclid=CKCD2u7Q2K0CFUSo4AodR0eLQg

The Wilderness Society is a leading American conservation organization working to protect America’s public lands. From well-known icons to hidden gems, these lands provide us all with clean air and water; abundant wildlife; havens for recreation, learning, and solitude; and a foundation for a healthy planet.  They are also important sources of renewable energy and vital natural resources that must be managed wisely.  The site features a number of articles and blogs, including material on hydrofracking.
 

Hydraulic Fracturing Facts

http://www.hydraulicfracturing.com/Pages/information.aspx

This site’s owner is Chesapeake Energy, the second-largest producer of natural gas and the most active driller of new wells in the U.S.  It offers some helpful diagrams and information to understand the process, which Chesapeake Energy endorses.