By Tim Knauss
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse lawmakers voted unanimously today to ban natural gas drilling —including the controversial drilling technique called hydrofracking — within city limits.The measure was loudly applauded by about three dozen anti-fracking activists who packed the Common Council chambers and joined councilors at a press conference afterward on the steps of city hall.
“This legislation is a proactive approach and will send a message to other localities and Albany that we have the right to protect our communities,” said council Majority Leader Kathleen Joy, who spearheaded the effort to develop the legislation.
Joy said Syracuse should not be exposed to the potential health and environmental hazards from hydrofracking, which involves injecting millions of gallons of water at high pressure into deep shale formations to release natural gas.
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