Local City Councils to Vote on Hydrofracking Bans

~ Public Attendance Welcomed ~

Monday, March 5, 7pm at Niagara Falls City Hall [Map]

• Niagara Falls resolution to ban fracking wastewater in the City

Tuesday, March 6, 2pm at Buffalo City Hall [Map]

• Buffalo resolution to ban hydrofracking in New York State

Niagara Falls: Councilmen Fruscione and Choolokian worked with the Buffalo City Council to draft the Niagara Falls ordinance which will be on the Monday agenda. The Falls Council is to pass ordinance opposing hydraulic fracturing and treatment of 'fracking water' in the city facility. The Monday March 5, 4pm council meeting is the "work session" and is open to the public. The 7pm "official" public council meeting will include an opportunity for the public to speak on any agenda item prior to the council members voting. There is no public comment session at 4pm. Everyone is more than welcome to attend either or both meetings. If you would like to speak on the issue make sure to attend the 7pm meeting.

Buffalo: Vote at 2pm in Council Chambers on the 13th floor of Buffalo City Hall. Press conference in room 1417 at 4pm. With reports circling that hydraulic fracturing (a.k.a. hydrofracking or fracking) may begin this year, the Buffalo Common Council will vote on a resolution to support a statewide ban, as well as addressing Governor Cuomo in a letter asking him not to go forward. This is a monumental and historic day not only for Buffalo, but for all of New York state, and for communities everywhere affected by gas drilling. In February 2011 Buffalo was the first city in New York state to pass municipal legislation opposing fracking and fracking waste in order to protect residents from drilling and waste disposal. Now, the second largest city in New York is standing up again, this time to protect it's neighbors. Join us for the vote and press conference! We need a great turn out to show community support in urging Gov. Cuomo to withdraw his proposal to open New York to fracking!

A printable flyer is here.

Contact Rita Yelda (ryelda@gmail.com) for additional information.

Buffalo Residents Call day to the Buffalo Common Council on MONDAY March 5, 8am-4pm. Click Here to find contact information and more details.

Anti-Fracking Rally at the NY State DEC - WNY Drilling Defense - Click photo to enlarge

Recently, the right of a town to ban gas drilling and fracking has been upheld in the NY Supreme Court. The court decision sets a precedent that citizens and their local governments can cite to legally ban gas drilling and fracking in other New York towns.