Fracking in the Bronx? Latest dispute there

I didn't realize fracking was being talked about in the Bronx

From voicesofnewyork.org

Bronx Pols Dispute Pro-Fracking Allegations

September 18, 2013 2:57 pm Leave a comment By Tyler Pager  | Via Bronx Bureau  
Go to original story A+ / A-

A diagram created by the EPA illustrates the role of water in the hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”) process. (Photo by EPA, via Bronx Bureau)

A new report by a non-profit has identified 13 Bronx politicians in the state assembly and senate who received campaign funds from organizations supporting the controversial method of hydraulic fracturing or fracking to extract underground natural gas, reports Tyler Pager in the Bronx Bureau. According to the report, released by the nonpartisan citizen’s lobbying organization Common Cause, the donations ranged from the hundreds to over $50,000.

“Common Cause/NY’s analysis broadly defines ‘pro-fracking interests’ as the full spectrum of industries involved in natural gas production rather than only the drillers,” the report said. “In New York, the largest campaign contributors involved in the business of fracking are the supporting industries like engineering firms, pipeline owners, chemical companies, construction industry organizations and unions, law firms with oil and gas practices and other affiliated members of pro-fracking organizations such as IOGA and Clean Growth Now.”

State Sen. Jeffrey Klein disputes the findings of a report that says he received over $50,000 in contributions from pro-fracking groups. (Photo from Klein’s Facebook page)

State Sen. Jeffrey Klein (Riverdale, City Island, Throgs Neck) leads the list of Bronx politicians who received campaign contributions from pro-fracking organizations. The report says Klein received $54,495 in contributions. But Klein’s office disputed the figure. His spokesman, Eric Soufer, insisted that Klein was an “outspoken” opponent of fracking.

“Does anyone actually believe that hydro-fracking is a top priority for the New York State plumbers and steamfitters union?” he asked. “Or that the trucking association is more concerned about oil and gas exploration than highway taxes? Of course not, but this report is riddled with examples just like that.”

The report indicated that the broad definition of pro-fracking interests might not necessarily reflect the true influence of such lobbyists in politics.

The Common Cause report says that the organization “recognizes that because we take a broad view of pro-fracking interests some contributions included in this dataset, such as those from major business lobbies like the Business Council of NYS, may be related to other issues. However, this data taken as a whole provides an accurate measure of the power and influence of pro-fracking business interests in state and local government.”

But Soufer insisted that Klein supported a two-year moratorium bill on fracking passed by the Assembly in March.

Soufer, however, said, “Senator Klein supports the moratorium bill and has never met with any of these groups, or their representatives, on this topic. We are currently acting under a moratorium in New York State, and unless the governor decides to move ahead with fracking, this moratorium will continue.”

Two other lawmakers – Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Sen. Gustavo Rivera – who are named in the report for receiving smaller donations ($1,250 and $500 respectively) also disputed the findings, saying they too are outspoken opponents of the controversial practice, which environmentalists say contaminates underground water.
Dinowitz and Rivera support replacing the current campaign finance system, which they believe, will decrease special interest groups influence. Fair Elections for New York, which advocates for ending special interests influence on government, partnered with Common Cause on the report.

State Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj was not listed in the report. (Photo by Fausto Giovanny Pinto/Voices of NY)

Assemblymembers Mark Gjonaj and Luis Sepulveda were the only two Bronx-based state politicians not listed in the report. Gjonaj is undecided on whether the state should pursue fracking, while acknowledging its economic benefits and the health risks associated with the practice.

“We come from a borough with the highest unemployment rate in the Bronx,” he said. “Hydro fracking can create some great jobs.”

Tags : common cause Eric Soufer fracking Gustavo Rivera hydro Jeffrey Dinowitz Jeffrey Klein Luis Sepulveda Mark Gjona