Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation expanding New York’s hydraulic fracking ban to include carbon dioxide (CO2) fracking, a method proposed for methane extraction in the Southern Tier.
Sponsored by Assemblyperson Anna Kelles and Senator Lea Webb, the ban addresses environmental and safety concerns raised by local politicians and activists.
The proposal by Southern Tier Solutions involved injecting CO2 into shale formations to extract methane, sparking fears of leaks and health risks. The ban builds on New York’s 2014 fracking restrictions and aims to protect air, water, and public health.
While this blocks the current plan, officials remain watchful for future extraction methods.
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