» Action Alert    |    October 23, 2009

Dear Supporter,

Take action online now and voice your support for extending the comment period on New York’s draft supplemental generic environmental impact statement (SGEIS) for gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.

It is imperative that Trout Unlimited members and other sportsmen and women in New York are provided both the time and opportunity to adequately review and provide comments on the Draft SGEIS.

Why We Care 
We need your support today because New York is currently only allowing the public 60 days to provide comments on the 800 page draft SGEIS that the state released on September 30th. Additionally, the state is only providing the opportunity for public hearings in four locations, we need your help to request additional hearings and locations to comment on this important document that will provide the framework for how the industry is allowed to drill for gas in and around our favorite hunting and fishing spots.

Drilling for gas in the Marcellus Shale has the potential to significantly impact New York’s treasured trout streams—one of our greatest public assets. These streams, and the lands surrounding them, provide fishing, hunting, and other recreational opportunities, support tourism, and provide an economic base for many rural communities.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1. Please visit our online action center today to express your support for extending the public comment period from 60 to 120 days and for providing additional public hearings on the report.
2. Call Governor Paterson and Commissioner Grannis to tell them that you strongly support increasing the comment period on the draft SGEIS from 60 days to 120 days to allow the citizens of New York adequate time to analyze the 800 page document as well as adding additional public hearings on the draft SGEIS. Phone calls and personal letters are the most effective methods to voice your opinion in support of these requests.