As a New Yorker, I am glad I live in a state where we have standards for a clean environment. I have clean water for drinking and showering, and I love to take in the fresh air while running and hiking in the outdoors.
However, after reading The Associated Press article "Town officials urge Cuomo to approve shale gas drilling," Sept. 7, I was frightened to learn that some New York officials are pushing fracking, a practice that could have serious impacts on our health, environment and communities.
I spent my childhood in Maryland, and I saw firsthand how the Chesapeake Bay was destroyed by pollution and destruction of the region thanks to the unregulated use of pesticides and toxic chemicals. The bay once was a plentiful source of food and water, but now it's contaminated to an alarming degree.
New York is facing a similar threat from fracking. The region that provides more than 9 million New York residents with clean drinking water could be threatened. The long-term potential consequences associated with fracking, including undrinkable water and polluted air, should be the first things on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's mind as he considers gas drilling.
GIDEON WOLF
Intern, Environment New York
New York