please expand the scope of the draft SGEIS

Dear Governor Cuomo,

I am writing to beg you to please expand the scope of the draft SGEIS to include wastewater concerns. I understand that drilling is seen as a potential economic boom in areas like Upstate where I live that have been economically stagnant for decades. As a resident of Upstate I want to see economic revitalization of this region, but not at the expense of my health, my children's health and the health of future generations. Despite their assurances, that really just support their economic goals, the hydrofracking industry cannot guarantee that they will protect our land and water. Environmental reports out of Pennsylvania, a state that has tragically harnessed itself to this industry in order to secure economic stability, make this clear. Given the extent of New York state's fiscal crisis, you cannot guarantee proper government regulation of the industry as it exists, much less if it expands to the extent that the industry desires.

As was so clearly stated in the recent NY Times front page article about the hazards to public health through pollution of our waterways due to drilling, "we're burning the furniture to heat the house". I teach my children to not live beyond their means, to protect the land that gives them their food and water. We cannot afford the inevitable costs to the state of New York if we are further drawn into the largely unregulated hydrofracking industry. We cannot protect the land that provides our food and water without the protection of regulations to safeguard the public health. The current draft SGEIS will not protect us.

Do not join the long line of politicians who have made decisions with long term negative consequences in order to secure short term gain. New York needs more responsible and visionary leadership than that, for the benefit of our children and our children's children.

I look forward to hearing from you on this issue.

Sincerely,
Asha S