NYS Assembly passes CO2 fracking ban

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The New York State Assembly passed the CO2 Fracking Ban on March 12. The bill prohibits the issuing of well permits to candidates that use carbon dioxide to extract oil or natural gas resources, otherwise known as fracking.

The proposed legislation was passed with a vote of 97-50. The bill was introduced earlier this year by Assemblymember Anna Kelles and Senator Lea Webb.

"There is no evidence to support the fossil fuel industry’s claim that carbon dioxide will be a safer method to extract oil and gas," said Assemblymember Kelles. "However, there is an incredible amount of evidence that proves the dangers to our families if we allow fracking within our communities, a reason New York banned the extraction of oil and gas by fracking in 2020. I’m proud of our effort to pass this legislation today and reaffirm our commitment to the science of fracking and its impact to our health and environment. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to safeguard New York for generations to come."

"CO2 fracking is dangerous, dirty, and fundamentally counter to New York’s Climate Act," said Food and Water Watch Northeast Region Director Alex Beauchamp. "New York has been down this road before, and what we found holds true today — fracking threatens our communities, health and climate. It has no place in a state striving to lead the transition off fossil fuels. We applaud the Assembly for moving quickly to ban CO2 fracking, and call on the Senate to get this done."

The bill will now head to the New York State Senate to be voted on.