Prominent Penn State University Geologist Terry Engelder, Journalist Jamie Kitman, Environmental Regulations Experts Stuart Gruskin and Albert Appleton to Examine Controversial Proposal to Drill for Natural Gas in New York State’s Portion of the Marcellus Shale
New York, NY, September 22, 2011 – The New York Policy Forum will hold a panel discussion of experts concerning the proposal to allow natural gas drilling known as Hydrofracking in New York State. The event will take place October 6, 2011 at the Cornell Club in New York City.

Hydrofracking is a means of extracting natural gas deposits embedded in shale rock formations by deploying high pressure drills and chemical solutions. The technique is widely used in various parts of the United States and Europe but has been banned in New York State, which is proposing a partial lifting of its moratorium. Hydrofracking is controversial: while studies suggest it could generate up to X jobs and Y millions in revenue, environmentalists are concerned that the process contaminates drinking water supplies.

Award winning journalist Jamie Kitman will moderate a panel that includes noted water expert Albert Appleton, a former commissioner of New York City’s Department of Environmental Conservation; Penn State University Geologist Terry Engelder, a foremost expert on The Marcellus Shale Deposit;...