The document discusses the potential economic benefits and environmental concerns of natural gas drilling from the Marcellus Shale formation. It notes that trillions of cubic feet of natural gas could be extracted but raises issues with studies claiming economic gains, as they do not consider costs of environmental damage, impacts on other industries, or health effects. Concerns include risks to water resources from methane contamination, unknown fracking fluid composition, wastewater processing difficulties, and harm to fish and wildlife. It also questions whether most new jobs would go to local communities.

1. Marcellus Shale Looking at natural gas drilling through an Economic and Environmental lens

2. The Marcellus Shale 489 trillion cubic feet of retrievable gas in Marcellus Shale

5. Global Potential Economic Benefits Versatility Natural gas is a growing industry U.S. consumed 22,844,374 million cubic feet of natural gas last year alone Cleanest burning fossil fuels

6. Local Potential Economic Benefits NY state alone consumed 393 billion cubic feet of natural gas in 2008, making up 33% of their energy consumption In state production would directly decrease in state consumer cost

7. Broome County Study Over the next decade: 792 million in new wages 16,000 new jobs created $85 million in state and local tax revenues +

8. Problems with the study Does not take into account economic impact of environmental damage Does not take into account economic impact of other industries e.g. fishing, recreation… Does not take into account economic impact of health care costs Study was conducted by out of state company

9. Impact on Agriculture

10. Endangering Precious Resources Only .3% of the world’s water supply is usable for human consumption Methane gas has been found in municipal water sources located near drilling sites.

11. Fracking Fluid Companies are not required to disclose fracking solutions

12. Spills and Wastewater Sewage treatment plants are not equipped to process the industrial waste water and associated chemicals.

13. Kills Fish and Other Animals

15. Jobs Who will get these new jobs? Not people from local communities.