Although originally hailed by the natural gas industry and the green movement alike as a safe, clean source of domestic fuel, hydraulic fracturing has come under growing scrutiny. The Marcellus Shale is a geologic formation that is expected to yield a substantial quantity of natural gas in New York State subject to strict environmental restrictions. To address the environmental issues associated with this activity, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued draft regulations in 2011. Approximately 40,000 comments on the proposed regulations were submitted to the agency.

In this program, a multidisciplinary faculty of professionals addresses the new body of law being created in New York to address the substantial development that is expected in the Marcellus Shale region. Marcellus Shale development has exploded in western Pennsylvania. New York’s potential approach, with increased environmental safeguards, will be addressed. Energy company, land owner, State Department of Environmental Conservation, technical, and New York City watershed topics will be discussed.

Program Contents

• Natural Gas Hydrofracking: The Technical Details

• The Regulatory Overview: The New DEC Regulations

• The Energy Company Perspective

• Environmental Concerns Related to Fracking Surface and Drinking Water Impacts; the NYC Watershed; Air and Noise Pollution Impacts; Radon; Seismicity

• Panel Discussion on Specific Energy and Environmental Issues

• Municipal Perspective: Home Rule and Road Issues: Two Recent State Court Decisions

• The Landowner Perspective

• Land Owner Issues Panel Discussion

Program Faculty

James P. Rigano (Program Chair)
Rigano LLC
—Melville

Stephanie O. Davis
Hydrogeology Department Manager, FPM Group
—Ronkonkoma

Larysa Dyrszka MD
--Bethel

Stuart Gruskin
Former Executive Deputy Commissioner
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
—Albany

Paul A. Hartman
Director of State Government Relations
Chesapeake Energy Corporation
New York State Representative
—Clarksville

Katherine Hudson
Watershed Program Director
Riverkeeper
—Ossining

Abigail M. Jones
Periconi, LLC
—New York City

Scott Kurkoski
Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP
—Vestal

Eugene Leff
DEC Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel
—Albany

Elisabeth N. Radow
Law Office of Elisabeth N. Radow
—Larchmont

George A. Rodenhausen
Rapport Meyers
—Rhinebeck

Kate Sinding
Senior Attorney
Natural Resources Defense Council
—New York City

Thomas S. West
The West Firm
—Albany

Total MCLE Credits      7.5
Ethics MCLE Credits      0.0

This archived webcast is a video online program that you will view and listen to on your computer screen.