Some towns in Sullivan County have passed resolutions asking New York State to enact a moratorium on gas drilling until the EPA can complete its study of the effects of hydro-fracking on water quality and human health.
Another bill has been proposed in the NYS Assembly that would clarify the New York State Environmental Conservation Law, which has been interpreted to strictly limit the ability of local governments to pass local laws affecting natural gas extraction.
Town resolutions can also address issues of transparency by requiring town councilpersons to disclose possible conflicts of interest.
Read a sample town resolution that addresses these issues.