To govern New York is to join the company of many acclaimed historical figures and to lead the state that has long been a progressive pioneer for our nation.
A few stand out in particular for creating a thriving upstate New York — including "Father of the Erie Canal" Gov. DeWitt Clinton, Gov. Thomas Dewey, who created SUNY and the State Thruway, and Gov. Mario Cuomo, who did so much to grow upstate infrastructure and investment. Any leader would do well to draw from their wisdom.
But it is another New York governor, Theodore Roosevelt — yes, the mighty President Roosevelt — from whom our own Gov. Andrew Cuomo should take heed in making his politically pivotal decision about fracking.
Prior to being elected president and prior to being elected governor, Roosevelt secured a glowing mark in history by fighting tooth and nail to protect Yellowstone National Park from commercial mining exploitation, which could have destroyed the park as we know it today.
Roosevelt saw both the intrinsic and the great economic value in protecting our natural resources. Conserving forests, clean water and natural beauty were radical ideas in the late 19th century, but today Roosevelt's wisdom and courage is appreciated by millions of tourists who visit Yellowstone each year and the untold many who have benefited from the park economically for more than a century.
As president, Roosevelt revolutionized conservation. He protected many of our country's chief environmental treasures and advocated for smart safeguarding of America's natural resources to ensure the greatest enduring benefit. Although it gets little attention, the long-term economic benefit of Roosevelt's inimitable foresight is beyond measure.
Allowing hydraulic fracking for natural gas in New York state would be like if we had strip-mined Yellowstone. It would squander upstate New York's economic potential, which rests on clean water and air for agriculture, the exquisite beauty that enchants millions of new and recurring tourists and a long tradition of progressive leadership that lets residents know we live in the best place on Earth.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, you now have your own historic opportunity. In the face of climate change, lead New York and with it the nation in renewable energy and efficiency. Be the visionary 21st century governor who aptly values our abundant clean water and precious natural environment.
Forge a healthy, thriving and lasting upstate economy. Make New York the hub of renewable energy akin to how Gov. Clinton's Erie Canal made New York the primary U.S. port. Let Gov. Dewey's SUNY become the intellectual nucleus for clean technology and a training center for renewable energy jobs. Build on your father's strong legacy of investments by creating an efficient, clean energy infrastructure.
Don't let a destructive, toxic industry undermine the economic integrity and unique promise of upstate New York. Don't compromise our health, air, water, and our children's futures. Make sure New York state is the best place on earth for them to live their lives as well.
Consider Theodore Roosevelt's insightful leadership at the turn of the last century and your opportunity today, Gov. Cuomo.
Make the right decision and New Yorkers will have your back.
John Armstrong is a leader of Frack Action.