On September 7, 2011, the NY DEC released the Revised Draft SGEIS and supporting socioeconomic study.
Written comments will be accepted through the close of business January 11, 2012 by two methods only:
- Electronic submission using a web-based comment form available on DEC's website (preferred method); or
- Paper submission mailed or delivered to: Attn: dSGEIS Comments, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway,Albany, NY 12233-6510. Please include the name, address, and affiliation (if any) of the commenter. Paper submissions also will be accepted at the public hearings listed below.
Due to the expected volume, comments that are faxed, telephoned, or emailed to the DEC will not be accepted for the official record. This is to ensure that all comments are captured properly and can be included during the review process. Please use DEC's web-based comment form to provide your input.
Background:
In response to continuing concerns regarding drilling in the Marcellus Shale, on December 13, 2010, the Governor of New York issued Executive Order 41 requring further environmental review and ordering revision of the SGEIS after review of the public comments. The new SGEIS will be released in June 2011 and will be subject to another public comment period.
Fall 2010 - The draft comment period is closed, and the final rule has not yet been released.
On December 30, 2009, an environmental coalition, led by the Natural Resources Defense Council, submitted extensive comments on the DSGEIS, urging more thorough consideration of drilling's impacts and a stronger regulatory structure.
On September 3, 2009, the draft "draft supplemental generic environmenal impact statement" ("DSGEIS") was made available for review.