Delaware River Frack Ban Coalition Pledges Resolve to Protect the Watershed Groups Deeply Disturbed by DRBC Failure to Enact Full Frack Ban
Delaware River Watershed - Delaware River Frack Ban Coalition organizations denounced the Delaware River Basin Commission’s (DRBC) adoption of amendments to its regulations on December 7, 2022 that will allow the importation into the Watershed of wastewater produced by fracking and will allow the export of water from the Delaware River Watershed to support fracking operations elsewhere.
Read moreCourt Orders Gas Company to Pay More Than $16 Million for Poisoning Dimock's Water
In a "no contest" plea Coterra, formerly Cabot Oil and Gas, is being held accountable for ruining Dimock PA residents’ lives and contaminating their water
Montrose, PA - Officials from Coterra Energy appeared at the Susquehanna County Courthouse today to plead no contest to 15 criminal charges. Wes Gillingham, Catskill Mountainkeeper’s Associate Director, issued the following statement in response....
Read moreNew Yorkers Vote YES for the Environmental Bond Act
November 9, 2022 -- On November 8th, more than 60% of New Yorkers took the once-in-a-generation opportunity to vote YES on the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act, an initiative that will invest $4.2 billion into projects we can see, feel, and taste. This funding will be used to improve our drinking water and air quality, preserve our environment, and protect us from the worst of the climate crisis. Mountainkeeper is proud to have been part of the VOTE YES effort, and we're so grateful for each and every voter who chose to invest in our shared environment. Click 'read more' to see how the bond act will help support the Catskills and communities statewide.
Read moreTelling the DRBC to Enact a Full Frack Ban
Delaware River Watershed - 175 organizations representing a total of almost a million members and 6,751 individuals signed a letter to the Delaware River Basin Commission voting members calling for a FULL fracking ban in the Delaware River Watershed. The letter was delivered by the Delaware River Frack Ban Coalition on Friday, October 14 to the Commissioners, the voting members of the DRBC who will decide on the final regulations governing these activities. The Commissioners are the Governors of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware and the Army Corps of Engineers, representing President Biden. The link to the letter is here: https://bit.ly/3etKHA7
Click 'Read More' for the full release.
Read moreHudsonia Report on Winston Farm
Developers in Saugerties NY, are seeking to move forward with a massive, inappropriately-sited development project proposed on Winston Farm. At Mountainkeeper’s request, Hudsonia – a Hudson Valley environmental research firm – conducted an initial assessment of the development’s potential impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity on Winston Farm. Unsurprisingly, they concluded that “The proposed development project at Winston Farm … would be devastating to the ecosystems, wildlife, and plants of the site and the surrounding region.”
Click 'Read More' for a link to the full report from Hudsonia.
Read morePublic blasts DRBC for shutting public out while approving an unjustified permit extension for deeply opposed Gibbstown LNG Export Terminal
The approval came following public outcry at the breach in protocol by DRBC Executive Director, Steve Tambini, to unilaterally approve the permit extension
“The DRBC’s quiet approval of the Gibbstown LNG permit extension behind closed doors not only violates public trust and governmental transparency, it also goes against the guidelines laid out in New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act by supporting the fossil fuel industry’s behind-the-scenes dealings in toxic oil and gas,” said Ivo Kennedy, Catskill Mountainkeeper.
Click 'read more' for the full release from the Delaware River Frack Ban Coalition.
Read moreCatskill and Adirondack groups applaud state budget funding for state land stewardship
April 12, 2022 — Albany, NY — Catskill and Adirondack conservation and recreation groups applaud the New York State legislature and Governor Hochul for passing an ambitious budget that prioritizes land stewardship and environmental protection. The final budget includes nearly $50 million for State Land Stewardship within an historic $400 million Environmental Protection Fund.
Within State Land Stewardship, the final budget includes $8 million in funding dedicated specifically for Adirondack and Catskill “visitor safety and wilderness protection activities to address issues relating to overuse.”
"Governor Hochul, the Senate, and the Assembly deserve all the credit they've received for investing in the Catskills and Adirondack Parks in this year's budget and putting a $4.2 billion bond act before voters. These investments are always needed, but the COVID 19 pandemic shifted people outside, intensifying the impact on our public lands. Funding will improve trail safety and maintenance, in addition to supporting public education and outreach to help visitors enjoy the parks while preserving the Catskills' and Adirondacks' splendor," said Katherine Nadeau, Catskill Mountainkeeper's deputy director.
Mountainkeeper Joins Binghamton Residents to Promote Climate Plan Based on Jobs, Justice, and Energy Security
Assemblymember Lupardo, environmental justice advocates, and community residents spoke to media in advance of public hearing on the Climate Action Council’s Draft Scoping Plan
"In New York, we're lucky--we're up against a climate emergency, but we're not stuck sitting around waiting for solutions," said Wes Gillingham, Catskill Mountainkeeper's Associate Director. "The Climate Action Council's final plan must focus on solutions we can implement now, identify how to pay for the transition New Yorkers need and deserve, and prioritize justice for all New Yorkers. We have the law and the process to transition away from fossil fuels that are destroying our planet, health, and lives. Today, the focus is on how to make this transition a reality."
Click 'read more' for the full release from April 12, 2022's press conference at the Climate Action Council's public hearing.
Read moreMountainkeeper Sues to Stop Development at 850 Route 28 in Town of Kingston
Activities at the site contaminated water bodies and wetlands on site at the eastern gateway to the Catskill Park
March 28, 2022 Town of Kingston, NY—A resident of the Town of Kingston and two nonprofit organizations whose staff and members regularly use the Bluestone Wild Forest today filed an Article 78 action against the Town of Kingston’s Zoning Board of Appeals, Robert Cologero, in his role as Code Enforcement Officer, 850 Route 28 LLC, U.S. Crane and Rigging LLC, and Thomas Auringer for construction activities and illegal storage of cranes, rigging, vehicles, and industrial equipment at 850 Route 28.
Read moreA Big Step Forward for Esopus Creek Protections
Department of Environmental Conservation Requiring Additional Analysis Around Alternatives to Ashokan Reservoir Releases, their Drinking Water Impacts, and How Climate Change Will Affect Releases
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) announced today that it is sending the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) back to the drawing board for further analyze the adverse environmental and human impacts of muddy releases from the Ashokan Reservoir.
“Requiring further analysis is absolutely the right move,” said Kathy Nolan, Catskill Mountainkeeper’s Senior Research Director. “We need the strongest plan possible to address releases from the Ashokan Reservoir; one that explores all available options to prevent muddy water from harming streams and rivers, one that protects drinking water supplies, and one that mitigates challenges that the climate crisis is imposing on communities and waterways.”
Click "Read More" for Mountainkeeper's full release.
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