Yesterday a New York State judge ruled that the town of Dryden (Tompkins County) can ban natural gas drilling within its boundaries. State Supreme Court Judge Phillip Rumsey found that a clause in NY state oil and gas law that gives the state power to regulate drilling does not prohibit municipalities from banning gas drilling or using zoning laws to prohibit gas drilling within the town's boundaries.
The Colorado-based company, Anschutz Exploration Corporation sued the town for amending their zoning regulations to ban drilling within the town limits. Anschutz has extensive leases in the town.
The Colorado-based company, Anschutz Exploration Corporation sued the town for amending their zoning regulations to ban drilling within the town limits. Anschutz has extensive leases in the town.
I haven't had time to read the decision yet, but you can read it here:
This is only the first step. Appeals are sure to come.
corrected and updates 10:45 am
corrected and updates 10:45 am
Way to go! I hope it holds in appeal.
ReplyDeleteBut it's a very nice first step in the right direction...
ReplyDelete