News

Horseheads Considers Drilling Moratorium

Updated Wednesday, June 13, 2012

June 13, 2012

ELMIRA (WENY) -- The Town of Horseheads is considering a moratorium on fracking, but officials still haven't come to a decision. At Wednesday's Town Board meeting, town attorney John Mustico said he has started drafting a drilling moratorium. Since the last meeting, he's received a number of proposals and drafts that will be considered, but the final one has not yet been picked.

Board members did not take any action on Wednesday, but local officials and some residents say they're eager to see how everything ends up.

"I am very concerned for our residents of Horseheads," says Bonnie Chollet, who opposes fracking. "I am looking forward to the town itself coming up with a moratorium for this because we do not know the answers."

"I understand that there's something in this that the governor says may not allow," says deputy town supervisor, Al Curren. "Some counties...they don't want it will let them have a voice, and that's what I hope he does.

The deputy supervisor says the next step is to hold a public hearing, which the board is hoping to schedule in July.