Updated 12/23/2009 03:05 PM
Officials Call For Ban On Gas Drilling Upstate
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City officials are urging the state to abandon a drilling plan they say would threaten New Yorkers' water supply.
The Bloomberg administration says the state plan to allow natural gas drilling on land near upstate reservoirs poses “unacceptable risks.”
The administration is echoing findings by the Department of Environmental Protection.
At the City Water Board Meeting this morning, DEP officials presented several nightmare scenarios.
The report says drilling on private land within the watershed could contaminate drinking water or diminish the water supply.
Governor David Paterson says there will be hearings on the issue.
“We will listen to all the points of view. We've actually extended the public comment period because of the grave concern that so many who we trust, like the mayor, are raising in this issue,” Paterson said.
Regulators in Albany are expected to finalize drilling plans next year.