Res. No. 2091
Resolution calling on the United States Congress to adopt legislation removing the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the Safe Drinking Water Act, and calling on the United States Environmental Protection Agency to apply stringent regulations to protect drinking water supplies from any risk due to hydraulic fracturing.
By Council Members Lappin, Brewer, Comrie, Gennaro, James, Koppell, Palma, Sanders Jr., Gerson and Avella
Whereas, The New York City drinking water supply is one of our most vital resources; and
Whereas, Ninety percent of the New York City drinking water supply sits atop natural gas formations that may be accessed using a technique known as hydraulic fracturing; and
Whereas, The hydraulic fracturing process involves injecting water mixed with chemicals, some of which may present public health risks, into sealed wells; and
Whereas, The New York City drinking water supply, as well as drinking water supplies throughout the country, should be protected to the highest degree possible; and
Whereas, The Energy Policy Act of 2005 exempted hydraulic fracturing from regulation under the Underground Injection Control program of the Safe Drinking Water Act; and
Whereas, State-by-state regulation of hydraulic fracturing activities results in inconsistent standards for drilling activities and unreliable information about the dangers of hydraulic fracturing; and
Whereas, Representatives DeGette, Hinchey, and Salazar have recently introduced Congressional legislation, H.R. 2766 of 2009, known as the “Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2009,” to repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the Safe Drinking Water Act; and
Whereas, Lisa Jackson, the current Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, has recognized the need for the EPA to re-examine the potential danger to drinking water supplies posed by hydraulic fracturing; and
Whereas, Federal study and regulation of hydraulic fracturing will support and enhance State efforts to protect drinking water supplies; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the United States Congress to adopt legislation removing the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the Safe Drinking Water Act, and calls on the United States Environmental Protection Agency to apply stringent regulations to protect drinking water supplies from any risk due to hydraulic fracturing.
STW
LS#7461
6/5/09