During a recent radio interview, Gov. Andrew Cuomo somewhat dismissed the economic potential that expanded natural gas development would have on upstate, and, in particular, the Southern Tier ("Cuomo: Look beyond fracking," Aug. 13).
For his entire term, the governor has rejected an industry that is not asking for government subsidies, is willing to operate under strong regulatory oversight, is proving its worthiness in other states, and would quickly provide 25,000 jobs, by the state's own conservative estimate. No other industry can offer this — not yogurt, not casinos, not wineries and not businesses lured here by tax-free zones.
I don't recall anyone claiming that increased natural gas exploration is a panacea for upstate. But there is no doubt it's the best option for the upstate economy, as support businesses will bloom and flourish, and less-expensive energy will attract manufacturing, as it too is doing elsewhere.
Contrary to the governor's statements, natural gas exploration would certainly "change the trajectory of the upstate economy," once the science — rather, the political science — is finally settled.
Robert Miller
East Greenbush