Today we are launching Businesses Against Fracking New York. Businesses Against Fracking New York is an initiative co-sponsored by New Yorkers Against Fracking and the New York State Sustainable Business Council. Its goal is to help provide a voice for businesses that support a ban on fracking in New York, and will work together to build an economy based on energy efficiency, conservation, and safer, renewable energy production.
This growing movement of business leaders, across NYS, representing many sectors, recognize that fracking is not the answer to our state’s economic or energy challenges. Already over 1,000 businesses have spoken in agreement by signing onto to the campaign.
These business leaders value affordable energy that is not vulnerable to foreign policy-induced supply disruptions. They also value sources of energy that are clean and do not exacerbate the pace and severity of climate change. This transition away from fossil fuels, and towards safe, renewable and energy efficiency technologies should be pursued vigorously through public policy as well as private investment.
These business leaders share a concern that fracking would harm New York’s major business sectors including tourism, recreation, agriculture, food and beverages, restaurants, real estate and our main street businesses. Fracking also poses unacceptable risks of contamination to water, air, and land, and endangerment of public health, and the health of our communities upstate and down, all of which will also have negative economic impacts.
It is a time for a new vision and bold action where we build an economy, where you have no longer have to choose between creating financial profits or providing social and environmental benefits. Businesses Against Fracking New York believes that it makes good business sense to pursue a NYS energy plan that quickly transitions away from fossil fuels and towards renewables This path will help grow NYS businesses, create jobs and build a more stable, vibrant and healthier economy as it sets an example for the country and the world.
New Yorkers Against Fracking is a coalition that includes members from every part of the state and a diverse collection of consumer advocacy, health, religious, food, and environmental organizations and dozens of grassroots groups. Visit the website: http://nyagainstfracking.org/
Contact: Seth Gladstone, sgladstone@fwwatch.org 718 943 8063
The New York State Sustainable Business Council is an emerging alliance of business networks and businesses committed to promoting practical strategies and policies that build strong local economies, incentivize investment and innovation in clean technologies, and advance the development of sustainable communities in NYS. Visit the website: http://asbcouncil.org/nysustainable
Contact: Hilary Baum, hilarybaum@baumforum.org 718 884 5716