Pro-fracking group shrinks under pressure

Scott Waldman

ALBANY—The state's principal industry group pushing to allow hydraulic fracturing has shed its lobbying and public relations firms amid financial struggles.

The Independent Oil and Gas Association cut ties with the Hinman Straub lobbying firm and Corning Place Communications in the last month, executive director Brad Gill said. The industry-backed group has lost 20 percent of its members and has also eliminated a few positions to stay solvent.

Gill said the primary reason for the belt-tightening is that environmental groups have scared off developers, and energy companies are turning their interest to other states. He said he respected the ability of anti-fracking groups to organize, and that the industry has never been able to create a grassroots movement that can turn public attention.

Anti-fracking protesters are a regular presence at Gov. Andrew Cuomo's public (and non-public) events, and regularly turn out in force at public hearings on issues that are in any way related to the industry.


http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2013/12/8536999/pro-fracking-group-shrinks-under-pressure