…From “baseless speculation and premature” to complete truth in under four hours. Amazing.

Here’s the DEC press release that confirms the NY Times report earlier today that the hydrofracking ban will be lifted outside state-owned land, the NYC and Syracuse watersheds (a reversal from the 2009 draft report) and within 500 feet of primary acquifers statewide.

Approximately 85 percent of the Marcellus Shale would be accessible to natural gas extraction under these recommendations.

“This report strikes the right balance between protecting our environment, watersheds, and drinking water and promoting economic development,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens.

A 60-day comment period on the document will start in August.

06-30-11 New Recommendations Issued in Hydraulic Fracturing Review 11-79[1]

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