Today brought a lot of big news, from diplomatic relations with Cuba, to the casino announcement, and most importantly to local activists, to a ban on fracking in New York State. Gov. Cuomo accepted and supported the final report of the Dept of Health. The Acting Commissioner Zucker cited the threat to the state's water and air quality, saying, "Would I want my child to play near a fracking site, drink the water, or breathe the air?"
Local organizer Isaac Silberman-Gorn was jubilant: "I've dreamed about a victory like this for the past 5 years. (It's an) Incredible victory, thanks to grassroots leadership and stacks of science!!! This happened because of the incredible pressure that all of us have brought to bear, and the huge body of science questioning the safety of fracking."
There is still action to take:
1. A victory rally, 1pm in front of the State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street!
We will celebrate and hear from former Mayor Matt Ryan. We'll deliver the clean Southern Tier water to Governor Cuomo's Binghamton office. After the rally, we will meet at the Citizen Action Office to talk about next steps in the movement.
When: December 18th, 1pm
Where: State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton
2. Citizen Action of NY's yearly holiday party! There will be friends, food, wine, and beer.
When: Thursday, December 18, 2014, 6PM-9PM
Where: The Relief Pitcher, 197 Conklin Ave, Binghamton
3. BOOK YOUR TICKET for the Binghamton bus to the State of the State! The rally is still on and we will absolutely be in Albany on January 7th.
https://www.facebook.com/events/656150794505434/