Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) recently applauded comments made by U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz regarding the benefits of natural gas production and called for a review of a five-year moratorium on hydrofracking in New York.
Moniz said in an interview that natural gas obtained through hydrofracking has boosted American industry by more than $100 million, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo should consider lifting the moratorium.
Reed said New York and other states in the region are “missing out” on the jobs and energy security that result from natural gas production.
“The state has been slow to act and is missing out on economic prosperity, as Secretary Moniz correctly points out,” Reed said. “Our country will continue to need energy and demand will only continue to grow. New York can and should be a part of that growth. After more than five years of investigation and study, New Yorkers fairly deserve the benefits of safe, careful development.”
Pennsylvania now produces 20 percent of domestic natural gas and has seen economic benefits from the industry’s recent growth, Moriz said, which should be a consideration for New York state officials.
“Hearing the top energy official weigh in so positively in favor of natural gas development in New York is certainly a positive sign for our local economy in New York,” Reed said. “Responsible development is bringing with it jobs, a rebirth to American manufacturing and strengthened national security. Let’s seize the opportunity to be a part of that progress.”