New York Dems seek gas ‘fracking’ hearings

House Democrats from New York are seeking hearings on the environmental and health effects of the gas drilling method called hydraulic fracturing, a push that follows a major The New York Times report on water pollution related to the process.

Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Maurice Hinchey and Jerrold Nadler wrote to the leaders of two committees – Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure – Wednesday citing the weekend Times piece on wastewater from drilling making its way into rivers that supply drinking water.

“We are particularly concerned because some of the wastewater is being transported to New York State. Public hearings would shed light on this critical issue and help ensure proper oversight throughout the hydrofracking and wastewater removal process,” the letters state.

Read the letter to the Energy panel here and to the Infrastructure panel here.

Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and other Democrats are also pressing for greater EPA oversight on the matter.