How to Get your town to ban drilling 7/11

Local Organizing to Ban or Control Fracking in Your Town.

For example:  Town of Spafford – Skaneateles watershed – very small portion of town within watershed and setback bounds ‘protected’ by DEC ban- Town has lakefront on Skan and Otisco Lakes.

At five Town Board meetings locals have spoken to the Board and asked for protections.  No response.  This month they agreed to “look” at a moratorium – asked for examples, engaged in conversation with the sixty people in attendance who spoke against fracking,  non-comittal but paying attention.

Two local women organized a public meeting at the Grange  – last night July 28th, and are going to form a committee to work on a ban.  I lost count at 85 in the room last night.  Handful of local farmers that sat together, wanted to talk after about leasing.

Local MD presented overview and major issues.  I spoke briefly on DEC, watershed, leases (don’t blame farmers – who knew back then?)  fielded questions.  Lots of info taken from the table.  Lots of new faces, hands in the air when Dr. Carlberg asked “Who knows very little or nothing about fracking?”

Petition launched, folks took paper copies to gather signatures, will be online at our local site fivetownwatershed.wordpress.com.   Next grassroots-organizing-a-local-committee meeting for Spafford residents – August 17th.  Contact Anne McElroy – mcelroys71@gmail.com .

Town Board and attorney were personally asked to come – no one showed – someone pointed that out loud and clear.  Next TB meeting – August 9th at 7pm Town Hall.  We’ll see.

This meeting was organized in two weeks and really successful -folks that were concerned came outta the woodwork because two women stepped up and organized.  And they found kindred spirits right away with folks who are willing to work on it

If there’s not a public conversation in your town – show up and speak with your officials – they’re likely already talking about but may not be moving on it and won’t unless they hear from you.

The Case for a Ban on Fracking – foodandwaterwatch.

http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/fracking/fracking-action-center/local-action-documents/

Lots of general information at gdacc.wordpress.com and specific info on towns at:

I’d be happy to speak to anyone who’s considering they ought do this in their town- I’d never been in front of a Town Board before last year.  It’s only hard the first time.  Only takes one person to get it going.  Time is running out before drilling permits can be granted.

Mary M

315 727-9405

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