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Anti-fracking activists now fight against oil infrastructure

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Hydraulic fracturing is currently not allowed in New York state. But a group of medical professionals, advocates and residents are warning that the industry still poses a grave risk to the empire state.

It’s not fracking that’s causing worry. It’s the industry infrastructure that has a large footprint in the state, despite the fact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced late last year that fracking would not be permitted in New York.

Energy companies are planning on building pipelines, power plants, regulating stations, storage facilities and compressor stations all over New York.

Dr. David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at SUNY Albany says the state needs to act now because the federal government has failed to regulate the industry.

“They don’t have to abide by the clean air act. They don’t have to abide by the clean water act; they can release radio activity much greater than it’s allowed from a nuclear power plant,” said Carpenter. “This is why I think all of us are saying New York state must step up to the front and determine these concentrations of these contaminates around these compressor stations.”

He says there should be a close study of the existing compressor stations so the state will have a better understanding of what might be in store.

The group also cites concerns that the gas and oil industry is only required to self-monitor and report incidents, making it difficult to know the total impact of its activity.

The industry doesn’t require this much infrastructure for delivery unless the gas is going to markets where it there is a major demand, critics say.

Jenna first knew she was destined for a career in journalism after following the weekly reports of the Muppet News Flash as a child. In high school she wrote for her student newspaper and attended a journalism camp at SUNY New Paltz, her Hudson Valley hometown. Jenna then went on to study communications and journalism at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ where she earned her Bachelor of Arts.