15 Green Groups Call for State-Required Environmental Review of Propane Fracking 

ALBANY, NY (April 12, 2012) – A coalition of environmental organizations today delivered a letter to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joseph Martens calling on the agency to undertake additional environmental review, as required by state law, of any applications for shale gas exploration by means of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Media reports suggest that the Canadian gas company, GasFrac Energy Services, Inc., has reached a preliminary agreement with the Tioga County Landowners Association to employ Houston-based driller eCORP in drilling gas wells in Tioga County using the unconventional technique of fracking with LPG. These reports further suggest that the coalition’s strategy is to bypass New York State’s current de facto moratorium on high-volume fracking through use of an alternative fracturing agent. Fifteen groups released the following statement with the letter: 

“The law is clear–New York State does not permit gas drilling with propane, butane, or any other gases used in LPG fracking. And despite newspaper stories to the contrary, an application to frack gas wells with liquefied petroleum gas like propane would require the preparation of either a supplemental generic or site-specific environmental impact statement prior to any well permitting. 

With the exception of the industry, no one knows much about LPG fracking. It’s only been around for a couple of years and it’s a proprietary process. But we do know that LPG fracking uses a highly explosive gas as its fracturing agent mixed with dangerous chemicals, has significant waste disposal challenges, and the potential to forever alter the character and health of our communities. 

Governor Cuomo and the Department of Environmental Conservation must compel a thorough environmental review, as required by law and as needed to protect the public and environment from harm, before even considering giving propane fracking the green light.”