Martens: We encouraged them not to adopt the regulations in the first instance.
(11/21/11) A major decision about the future of hydro-fracking in the Northeast has been postponed. The delay gives states, including New York, more time to consider their own fracking regulations. WMHT's Marie Cusick reports for the Innovation Trail.
The Delaware River Basin Commission (or DRBC) oversees an area that provides
water to 15 million Americans. On Friday the commission announced that it's delaying a vote previously
scheduled for Monday, about its proposed natural gas drilling regulations, for
hydrofracking in the Delaware River Basin.
The DRBC says the delay will give its members more time to review the
regulations. Members include the states of New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the federal government.
The regulations have been controversial. Earlier this month, the Department of
Environmental Conservation Commissioner, Joe Martens told reporters they would
get in the way of New York's effort to write its own drilling rules.
Martens: "At this point I'd have to say we are gonna vote 'no.' We encouraged
them not to adopt the regulations in the first instance."
The DRBC hasn't yet chosen a date to reschedule the meeting.
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