A bill now being considered in the state Legislature could represent a boon for the oil and gas industry and benefit property owners. But that same piece of legislation could also harm water supplies and contaminate the soil, according to the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.

The legislation, (S8169-A, introduced by Sen. Catharine Young, and A10526, introduced by Assemblyman William Parment) would set statewide spacing for oil wells and horizontal wells. It would allow for more closely spaced wells, reducing the required setback by 200 feet.

New research suggests that the Marcellus Shale formation, part of which lies beneath the ground in upstate New York, may hold enough natural gas to supply the entire country for two years. This has caused oil and gas companies to file proposals to build hundreds of new wells in the area.

But unlike a traditional natural gas formation, where gas lies in pockets under the ground and can be drilled vertically, the natural gas in the Marcellus Formation is dispersed throughout the shale. This type of natural gas can only be extracted using horizontal drilling.

Although these deposits represent an economic opportunity for the state, horizontal drilling may have harmful environmental repercussions for the surrounding soil, geological stability and drinking water sources.

NYLCV strongly urges the Legislature to oppose this bill (click here to read our memo of opposition). Postponing its passage until the environmental impacts on soil, underground formations and underground sources of drinking water are known will not affect the economic benefits of the Marcellus Shale. That would also help protect New York state’s drinking water, air and soil quality and wildlife.