In July, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”) released its draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (“SGEIS”) on horizontal drilling. As we explained in more detail earlier, the draft SGEIS included draft regulations, which would impose “rigorous and effective controls” on hydraulic fracturing. In September, NYSDEC supplemented its SGEIS, adding mitigation measures addressing socioeconomic, community character, visual, noise and transportation impacts.
NYSDEC has now issued its draft regulations, which are the same as those released in July, for public comment. The public comment period will conclude December 12, and four public hearings are being held in November in Dansville, Binghamton, Sheldrake and New York City.