On November 29, the New York Assembly passed A1143B/S08129B which had previously passed the Senate. Governor Paterson is reported to be prepared to sign the bill, although the New York Times blog reports that industry groups are still pushing for a veto. The bill, if signed, would impose a moratorium on new permits for natural gas wells that use hydraulic fracturing until May 15, 2011.
AN ACT to suspend hydraulic fracturing; and providing for the repeal of
such provisions upon the expiration thereof
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
1 Section 1. There is hereby established a suspension of the issuance of
2 new permits for the drilling of a well which utilizes the practice of
3 hydraulic fracturing for the purpose of stimulating natural gas or oil
4 in low permeability natural gas reservoirs, such as the Marcellus and
5 Utica shale formations.
6 The purpose of such suspension shall be to afford the state and its
7 residents the opportunity to continue the review and analysis of the
8 effects of hydraulic fracturing on water and air quality, environmental
9 safety and public health.
10 For the purposes of this section, "hydraulic fracturing" shall mean
11 the fracturing of rock by fluid for the purpose of stimulating natural
12 gas or oil for any purpose.
13 This section shall not apply to permits issued prior to the effective
14 date of this act which utilize hydraulic fracturing that are subject to
15 renewal.
16 S 2. This act shall take effect immediately, and shall expire and be
17 deemed repealed on May 15, 2011.