Indian Lake, NY, May 01, 2012 — We continue our series, the Adirondack Attic, with Andy Flynn. You may know Andy from his series of Adirondack Attic books on local history. He uses the objects people make, use and leave behind to tell stories about the life and times of the region. NCPR is collaborating with Andy and his sources at the Adirondack Museum and other historical associations and museums in the region to bring these stories to air.

Today, Andy travels to the Adirondack Museum for a closer look at a wire basket used by miners in the mid-1900's.  Go to full article

Clintonville, NY, Jan 03, 2012 — Andy Flynn visits the Adirondack Museum as our "Adirondack Attic" series continues. Andy talks with chief curator Laura Rice about a chunk of charcoal from the 1800's that came from a forge in Clintonville. It's a piece of the puzzle of processing iron ore in the Adirondacks.  Go to full article

Clintonville, NY, Jan 03, 2012 — Andy Flynn visits the Adirondack Museum as our "Adirondack Attic" series continues. Andy talks with chief curator Laura Rice about a chunk of charcoal from the 1800's that came from a forge in Clintonville. It's a piece of the puzzle of processing iron ore in the Adirondacks.  Go to full article

Ithaca, NY, Dec 02, 2011 — The natural gas industry and landowners hoping to share its profits are frustrated by New York's latest delay in lifting a ban on drilling, while environmentalists say much more time is needed to study the issue.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has refused to issue permits for shale gas wells using high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, since it started an environmental study in 2008.

The state's final public hearing on hydrofracking in New York was held Wednesday. But as the Innovation Trail's Matt Richmond reports, an unofficial hearing in Ithaca yesteday still drew a large crowd.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Nov 21, 2011 — 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.  Go to full article

Binghamton, NY, Nov 18, 2011 — The Department of Environmental Conservation held public hearings on hydrofracking in Binghamton yesterday. The city is the epicenter of expected development of New York's share of the Marcellus Shale formation.

Officials and residents were invited to make three-minute statements about hydraulic fracturing.
More than 1,000 people turned out to listen. With frequent interruptions for catcalls and applause, only 63 people got a chance to speak during the three-hour hearing.

As the Innovation Trail's Matt Richmond reports, there is no shortage of opinion on the issue in the Southern Tier.  Go to full article

Geneva, NY, Nov 16, 2011 — New York begins public hearings on proposed regulations for hydro-fracking today. The state Department of Environmental Conservation convenes the first of the hearings in the Finger Lakes village of Dansville this afternoon at 1:00 pm. People hoping for three minutes to comment are expected to begin lining up hours before that.

The state has put off permits for drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation since 2008, when it began a review of the high-volume hydraulic fracturing process used to blast wells into production.

Environmental groups who fear the drilling will contaminate water supplies call the rules too lax.
The gas industry says the rules will be so restrictive that companies will avoid New York. As the DEC begins its hearings, an industry group has been holding public meetings of its own.  Go to full article

Dannemora, NY, Nov 08, 2011 — In the 19th century, iron mining was the main operation at the Dannemora Correctional Facility, with three main mines scattered within the structure's walls. The mines provided employment for the convicts and earned the region the nickname, "Little Siberia." Inmates also helped with prison construction and renovations. Coming up on the next Adirondack Attic, Andy Flynn and Adirondack Museum chief curator Laura Rice examine a photo taken during prison construction in the late 1800's.  Go to full article

Manlius, NY, Aug 18, 2011 — Yesterday we heard a cautionary story about "landmen" - the people who handle drilling leases and mineral rights for natural gas companies. Today, a state law some say is being used to force property-owners to sign on the dotted line.

Most people agree it's wrong to just take someone's property and give it to someone else. But there's a gray area in the rules for natural gas drilling. It's called compulsory integration.
Emma Jacobs has this report for the Innovation Trail.  Go to full article

Rensselaer, NY, Jul 21, 2010 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is preparing this week for a third round of hearings, this time in Canonsburg, PA, on the controversial natural gas drilling technique called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking."

A wealth of natural gas is locked into the Marcellus Shale deep under Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia and Ohio. Some geologists estimate it's enough to supply the entire East Coast for 50 years. But there are fears fracking could pollute water above and below ground and deplete aquifers. The oil and gas industry says it's been safe for many years and is needed to keep the nation on a path to energy independence. The process is currently exempt from federal regulation.

Now concerned New Yorkers want the state to step in. New York's Senate chambers have been dark since lawmakers left town for a summer break early this month. But the grand hall was briefly lit up yesterday as hydrofracking opponents came to lobby for an 11-month moratorium.

No Senators were actually on hand for the event, even though the lobbyists brought out the big guns. Karen DeWitt has more.  Go to full article