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Sep 25

2012

NY Health Commissioner adds delay to fracking review

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The New York State hydrofracking regulations review and environmental impact study that the Department of Environmental Conservation started in 2008 has once again hit a bump. Health Commissioner Nirav Shah wants more investigation added to the review, specifically a health impact analysis. But he refuses to take the suggestion from environmentalists to have independent university experts conduct the work. Shah said it is the government’s job to decide if the state’s moratorium should be lifted and if natural gas drilling is safe for the environment. Gov. Cuomo has been holding back on his decision until the DEC completes its review.[...]

Posted 13 years ago

Sep 25

2012

Toxic Town of Tonawanda

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There are 53 industrial plants in a 2-mile radius in Tonawanda and it has the highest concentration of air polluters in New York State. The Clean Air Coalition hosted a “Toxic Tour” Saturday morning and if you haven’t been on one, it’s worth the 90 minutes to get a feeling of what is happening in your backyard. The next tour is Oct. 13. The odor of petroleum from NOCO, the sweet-smell of benzene from Tonawanda Coke (oxymoron, I know), and the ominous puffs of smoke from the Huntley Power Plant overpower this town. Single-family homes are nestled right in the[...]

Posted 13 years ago

Sep 22

2012

Concerns of a moderate Republican

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Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs talk politics, downtown development, water authority shenanigans and lease negotiations with the Buffalo Bills.

Posted 13 years ago

Sep 22

2012

Interview: Chris Jacobs

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Chris Jacobs is that rare Republican who doesn’t hesitate to label himself a moderate or express his concern about his party’s shift to the far right. He took office as Erie County Clerk in January and is one of only two Republicans holding countywide office. (Sheriff Tim Howard is the other). Jacobs previously served 7 1/2 years on the Buffalo Board of Education. Other public service includes a stint as State Secretary of State under George Pataki during his last year as  governor. Jacobs is a developer by trade and his Avalon Development is active in the city. He earned[...]

Posted 13 years ago

Sep 22

2012

Study says costs of fracking are big

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A new report from the Environment America Research & Policy Center highlights how fracking has more problems than just environmental ones. The study states that the state governments are expending big money for new infrastructure and road repairs because of fracking efforts. But there’s more: A 2010 study in Texas found homes within 1,000 feet of a well saw values drop as much as 14 percent. Texas has earmarked $40 million in road repairs in the area called the Barnett Shale region and Pennsylvania estimated $265 million is needed to repair damaged roads in the Marcellus Shale region. The study[...]

Posted 13 years ago

Sep 21

2012

The rise of investigative non-profits

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The (Toronto) Globe & Mail takes a look at the impact of non-profit investigative reporting centers in the wake of the explosive Mitt Romney video published by Mother Jones magazine. Check out more on this topic

Posted 13 years ago
Investigative Post