WASHINGTON—Derrick Freeman, Director of the Energy Innovation Project at the Progressive Policy Institute, today released the following statement after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that his administration would ban hydraulic fracturing in New York State:
“For the past five years, the shale boom has provided the United States with a vibrant new source of economic prosperity. States across the country have experienced soaring economic growth and expanded job creation from utilizing hydraulic fracturing, while conclusively illustrating that it can be performed safely and in an environmentally sustainable fashion. That’s why today’s decision by Governor Cuomo to ban fracking in New York State is so baffling.
“If political constraints and government interference on this proven technology continue, we risk shutting down investment and innovation in one of the most productive areas of the American economy. PPI strongly urges Governor Cuomo to avert such a disaster and reconsider his decision.”