ALBANY, NY (1/4/2012)—In response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2012 State of the State address today, Environmental Advocates NY released the following statement attributable to Executive Director Robert Moore:

“Environmental Advocates NY commends Governor Cuomo on his plans to invest in water and parks infrastructure, not to mention energy efficiency and clean energy sources like solar with the goal of reducing climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions. We look forward to seeing the details behind these initiatives in the months ahead.

By failing to mention what is arguably the most important environmental and health issue confronting New York State, industrial gas drilling called fracking, Governor Cuomo is signaling that he has not made up his mind about how, when, where and if the Empire State will permit the practice.

With regard to fracking, the Governor has a unique opportunity to distinguish himself by acting as a hero to New Yorkers by choosing to safeguard the health and safety of our water, air and communities rather than rolling the dice for fracking’s short-term, and perhaps illusory, economic benefits.”