Karen Ballard
Lindley, New York, Landowner

I thank the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for their efforts in getting their Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) done so that we can begin natural gas development in the Marcellus Shale in New York.  Our state needs Marcellus Shale development to happen and to happen NOW!  It will bring jobs and much needed revenue to us.

I live on the land that was my grandfather’s farm.  He came to America in the 1880’s with his parents from Sweden.  They worked in the coal mines in Morris Run, PA.  They came seeking a better life.  Today, we have that opportunity with natural gas development.  Developing our natural gas resources will bring jobs and tax revenues to help get our state on the right track again and will decrease our dependence on foreign oil at the same time.  I want to be able to say to my grandchildren, “come or stay in New York, it is once again the land of opportunity.”

We live a mile from the Pennsylvania border.  We enjoy riding through parts of our neighboring state and seeing the gas wells in progress.

The American flag flowing in the breeze at each site is a reminder to us of our great country and that natural gas development will help bring our soldiers home.  It will also increase our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign sources of energy while offering many opportunities for many Americans, especially those who reside in this region.  It could potentially give us a sense of pride in our country that we haven’t had in years.

To those who represent the gas companies, we would like to say, “Welcome to New York.  We look forward to working with you to help our state and our country get back on its feet.”

Will we be able to say this this?  I hope so!  I know this much: three and one-half years is long enough.  It’s time to get it done!

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