Noted scientist says court ruling 'only the beginning'-fracking ruling

By Cady Kuzmich

Environmental groups across the state welcomed last week's New York state Court of Appeals decision defending municipalities' right to prohibit fracking through the use of zoning laws.

However, since pollutants don't recognize town borders, there is a consensus among the environmental community that the ruling leaves a lot of work to be done before New Yorkers are truly protected from the potential hazards of fracking.

Scientist, activist and author, Sandra Steingraber, applauded the court's decision, saying "From a public health point of view, I think it's a great decision. The court has affirmed communities' rights from the demonstrable risk of fracking and its infrastructure."

In the grand scheme of the fracking issue, however, Steingraber feels that much more needs to be done in order to fully protect New Yorkers' health and environment. This ruling is only the beginning. She said, "It's a step in the right direction but it's not sufficient. The pollutants we're concerned about don't recognize municipal boundaries."

http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-07-07-88534.113122-Noted-scientist-says-court-ruling-only-the-beginning.html