For the second time this week, local governments and anti-fracking groups have won court cases upholding local zoning laws that would prevent hydrofracking. Earlier this week, the court ruled that the Town of Dryden’s local statutes could not be overruled by state regulations. Today, a judge ruled that the Town of Middlefield’s local laws must be upheld.

As expected, environmental groups are celebrating the rulings. The New York Water Rangers issued this statement:

“For the second time in one week, a state Supreme Court has ruled that state law does not prohibit communities from regulating the use of land by the oil and gas industry. New Yorkers in Middlefield, like their compatriots in Dryden, warmed up their slingshots and hoped for the best when they took aim and acted to prevent fracking for natural gas in their town.”

It’s likely that the gas industry will appeal this ruling – as well as the Dryden case.

Middlefield-decison

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