Image courtesy of Pixomar / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Business leaders will be among the voices in Albany on June 17 urging Governor Cuomo to ban fracking and embrace a renewable energy future.
More and more businesses are realizing that the time has come to engage in the statewide and national debate about energy policy and are speaking out against the continuation of fossil fuel extraction. Companies, business organizations and business leaders are helping lead the transition to renewable energy and clean technologies across the country, with New York embodying the potential to become a national leader in this movement.
Why are businesses against extractive processes like fracking for shale gas? Why are businesses mobilizing against shale gas and oil development across the country and around the world? Simply put, because they recognize that fracking is not the answer to our economic or energy challenges. It just doesn’t make good business sense when you consider the full costs.
In addition to contributing to climate change, fracking is associated with significant costs that are externalized and born by the rest of business owners and other taxpayers, not the gas and oil companies. It equates to short-term economic boom and long-term bust. Fracking threatens the economic development potential of major business sectors, including tourism, recreation, real estate, agriculture, food and restaurants, wine, beer and other beverage companies that depend on clean water, our main street businesses, and more.
Businesses are saying yes to renewables because they value sources of energy that are clean, that do not exacerbate the pace and severity of climate change, that generate jobs, and that support local economies. Investors appreciate the value of putting their money into renewable energy companies because studies show the growth potential as well as the job creation opportunities. These businesses and investors see the exciting prospect for innovation, economic vitality, and community health, where the choice between the environment or the bottom line is clearly false.
Now is the time for business leaders to adopt a long-term view for a vibrant and sustainable economy, and join more than 1,000 business leaders across New York State in saying no to fracking and yes to building an economy based on energy efficiency, conservation, and safer, renewable energy production. Please visit the about us page to learn more and sign on to Businesses Against Fracking New York, an initiative of the New York State Sustainable Business Council and New Yorkers Against Fracking.
Rally with Businesses Against Fracking New York and others in Albany on June 17th at NY Crossroads: No to Fracking and Yes to Renewable Energy
Given our present realities, we also need national policies and strategies to help us adapt to, mitigate and reverse the effects of climate change, such as those offered by the American Sustainable Business Council.
Together, we can build a healthier and sustainable economy now and for generations to come.
Hilary Baum is campaign director of Chefs for the Marcellus, a founding member of the New York State Sustainable Business Council. David Levine is CEO of the American Sustainable Business Council.