Glen Reynolds links to a Walter Russell Meade post about this astonishing anti-science action by the state of New York.
An “expert” leaked a year-old report on hydrofracking to the New York Times which shows the process is safe:
The state’s Health Department found in an analysis it prepared early last year that the much-debated drilling technology known as hydrofracking could be conducted safely in New York, according to a copy obtained by The New York Times from an expert who did not believe it should be kept secret.
The analysis and other health assessments have been closely guarded by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and his administration as the governor weighs whether to approve fracking. Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, has long delayed making a decision, unnerved in part by strident opposition on his party’s left. A plan to allow a limited amount of fracking in the state’s Southern Tier along the Pennsylvania border is still seen as the most likely outcome, should the drilling process receive final approval.
The eight-page analysis is a summary of previous research by the state and others, and concludes that fracking can be done safely. It delves into the potential impact of fracking on water resources, on naturally occurring radiological material found in the ground, on air emissions and on “potential socioeconomic and quality-of-life impacts.”
But it remains difficult to discern how much original research the state has done on potential health impacts, and environmentalists worry that the administration’s lack of transparency is hiding a lack of rigor in its assessment of public health risks. At the same time, the drilling industry, and landowners who have leased their land in the Southern Tier, have grown increasingly frustrated with delays by the Cuomo administration to announce a final plan. State regulators have now been studying the issue of fracking for about four years.
Reynolds points out, “Remember when the authorities used to cover up dangers? Now they’re covering up news that fracking is safe, because that harms their political agenda.”
Cuomo’s reluctance to release a report his administration commissioned is understandable in light of a potential backlash by environmentalists. But suppressing information favorable to the use of fracking is only harming the economy of the state which is losing out on jobs and tax revenue.
It’s also a question of whether any Democratic governor with presidential ambitions is going to approve fracking given the large and vocal opposition to it from critical Democratic constituencies.
But at bottom, this politicization of science by Democrats only makes them appear to be hypocrites when they refer to the GOP as the “anti-science” party. At least Republicans aren’t suppressing facts in favor of advancing a political agenda.
“But suppressing information favorable to the use of fracking is only harming the economy of the state which is losing out on jobs and tax revenue.”
Not to mention the entire community of cities and rural towns upstate between the Catskills and Finger Lakes. My sons went to a summer camp near Oneonta last year. When driving to the camp we passed through several towns that were clearly in the midst of severe economic depression; most houses looked on the brink of collapse and there was very little activity seen on any of the streets or business areas. Bringing fracing activity to this area will save and revitalize an entire geography that has been in permanent decline ever since the heavy industries of the 20th Century closed.
The real reason these houses are not fixed is because it keeps the taxes on their house lower. A higher assesment on your house increases paying property tax so you are not quite correct or accurate. We have enough wineries and hotels and bed and breakfast to keep us employed. Most people out there are just getting lazy. I have gotten layed off 13 times and I still seem to find a job in the Fingerlakes. We are happy just the way it is and we do not want our drinking water infected. Health before death!! This Fracking is all short term…destroy and move on….oh well we ruined your driniking water and what you’ve got what … cancer hmmmmm
It’s time to confront the possibility that Democrats in high office are innately hostile to prosperity, which only the private sector can deliver. Prosperity — abundance — destroys their rationales for government control, allocation, and rationing. It also reduces the number of persons dependent on largesse from the State.
Indeed, I’d find it remarkable to confront a Democrat in office who favors economic growth and private-sector-fueled prosperity. It simply leaves such power-mongers with too little “face” — and you know how much they value “face!”