After delaying drilling of the gas-rich shale beneath Sullivan County for much of the year, the industry is ready to resume leasing land once the state’s new environmental standards are released, perhaps as early as next month. Drilling of the Marcellus shale could start in the spring.

“We’ll do it and we’re looking to do it, once the regulatory hurdles are cleared. Then the permits will flow,” said Brad Gill, executive director of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York.

One reason for the renewed push is Gov. David Paterson’s recent inclusion of gas drilling of the Marcellus shale — potentially the country’s largest natural-gas reserve — in his draft energy plan. The economic downturn, which meant record-low natural-gas prices and a tight credit market, now makes the need for gas money greater than ever.

“Natural-gas extraction would create jobs, create wealth for upstate land owners and increase state revenue from taxes and landowner leases and royalties,” said Paterson’s plan, which calls for exploration of natural gas on some state lands.

Gas companies welcome the endorsement, to the dismay of many who fear pollution of Sullivan’s waterways, fields and forests.

(Source: Times Herald Record)