"Debate over the environmental consequences of natural gas drilling in Broome County is reaching across the country.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has found evidence of caustic chemicals associated with natural gas production in 11 private water supplies in the state of Wyoming. Those findings -- featured on Web sites and list-servers of advocacy groups urging more oversight of the drilling industry locally and nationally -- have intensified battle lines over controversial drilling regulations proposed by members of Congress representing communities in the Southern Tier and Colorado.

Meanwhile, local and national proponents of the drilling industry are rallying to defeat the proposal, called the FRAC Act, sponsored by Reps. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, and Diana DeGette, a Democrat from Colorado."

Tom Wilber reports for Gannett September 13, 2009. [2]