Bob Poloncic
Chairperson Vestal Gas Coalition

Bob Poloncic, Chairperson of the Vestal Gas Coalition, recently attended a FrackNation screening in Binghamton with over 500 other New Yorkers. According to Poloncic, this film couldn’t have come at a better time.

As one of more than 500 area residents benefiting from viewing FRACKNATION at the Regal Theater in Binghamton on February 10th I wanted to share my review. The CD jacket sold before the movie established expectations that the documentary would address many controversial debunked topics. Intimidation, deception, lies, bogus lawsuits, environmental extremism & Hollywood elites were clearly journalist Phelim McAleer’s targeted concerns.  With the exception of three well known outspoken, obstinate, anti-drilling obstructionists who attempted to control subject matter during the question and answer period provided by Mr. McAleer everyone expressed their appreciation with extended applause several times during the event.

As promised, FrackNation debunked the misinformation provided by Josh Fox in Gasland with impeccable, clearly documented facts from extremely credible sources.  The result was extensive, methodical research, clearly absent of bias and misinformation resulting in a well delivered and extremely timely documentary.

Everyone in New York should watch this film because there’s a wall along New York’s southern border that’s dividing us against each other. Built with fear and misinformation about natural gas development, this hollow wall casts a shadow over our economic future. But with little foundation in reality, it can’t stand up to mounting evidence for the safety and widely shared benefits of a responsible local gas industry.

Governor Cuomo promised a science based decision and the reliable science is in. Yet the wall still stands – propped up by politics and blocking opportunity where it’s needed most. Patient Southern Tier residents must stand up for their rights and demand action. Mr. Cuomo, tear down this wall!

Despite more delay to study “unknown” health effects of shale gas development, state officials have known the facts for months. A Feb. 2012 review from New York’s Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah states that “significant adverse impacts on human health are not expected from routine HVHF (hydrofracking) operations.” Contrary to every significant charge leveled by opponents, the unreleased review finds “the state’s proposed regulations would prevent any potential health risks from air emissions, water contamination, and radioactive materials unearthed during the drilling process.” Current proposed SGEIS safeguards are even stronger.

Concerned about economic health? According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics for 2001 – 2011, total employment in Broome, Tioga and Chemung Counties declined 8.6%, but just over the PA border in Susquehanna and Bradford Counties it increased by 5.2%; and during 2008 – 2011 as gas activity surged, wages paid rose 28.3%. In the Southern Tier counties, wages were stagnant. In 2012, Bradford County government received 8.4 million in tax revenue from gas production, enabling a 5.9% cut in 2013 property taxes and a 4.5% pay raise for county employees.

Worried about climate change? Experienced researchers including Cornell’s Lawrence Cathles conclude that replacing coal with clean natural gas for electricity production will significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions over both the short and long term. It has already reduced US carbon emissions below 1995 levels helping the U.S. to lead the world in carbon reductions.

Experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology report in the journal Environmental Research Letters that claims of potential increased warming from escaped gas at well sites rely on an “unreasonable assumption.” Real world data used by MIT, the Department of Energy and Carnegie Mellon University, and others, refute leakage estimates which ignore today’s “green completion” technology and regulations mandating emission reductions. The flickering nighttime glow we see from flaring of new gas wells just over the border is a visible sign of greenhouse gas control, as well as a glimmer of hope for our long-suffering communities.

The writing is on the wall. Shale gas development is here to stay and is coming to New York. It’s the real key to our region’s economic recovery and our nation’s energy independence. Our state cannot cling to obsolete 1970’s narratives that assume a bleak future of scarce and expensive energy. Governor Cuomo must tear down the wall of pessimism along the border and let natural gas lift up new New York.

Our nation and state’s energy driven economic rebirth may be indebted to FrackNation!

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