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 ShaleLooking at natural gas drilling through an Economic and Environmental lens

2. The Marcellus Shale489 trillion cubic feet of retrievable gas in Marcellus Shale

5. Global Potential Economic BenefitsVersatilityNatural gas is a growing industryU.S. consumed 22,844,374 million cubic feet of natural gas last year aloneCleanest 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 consumptionIn state production would directly decrease in state consumer cost

7. Broome County Study Over the next decade:792 million in new wages16,000 new jobs created$85 million in state and local tax revenues+

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

9. Impact on Agriculture

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

11. Fracking FluidCompanies are not required to disclose fracking solutions

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

13. Kills Fish and Other Animals

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