Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York’s 24th District has reintroduced the Freedom to Frack Act, a legislative proposal aimed at withholding certain federal grants from states that enforce statewide bans on hydraulic fracturing. The move comes as part of an effort to counteract New York’s ban on fracking, which was implemented in 2014 and officially established by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation in 2015. The ban was further codified by the state legislature in 2020.
Tenney argues that much of Central and Western New York, along with the Southern Tier, is situated above significant shale formations such as the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale. These resources have the potential to meet the state’s energy demands for decades and generate numerous jobs. Despite this potential, Tenney criticizes New York’s fracking ban for contradicting environmental science and economic principles.
“President Trump has taken bold action to unleash American energy production through multiple Executive Orders, and it’s time for states like New York to follow suit,” said Congresswoman Tenney. She emphasizes that her bill aims to challenge what she describes as Albany’s “anti-science, politically motivated ban” on fracking. According to Tenney, non-compliant states should face repercussions such as losing federal funding due to their energy policies.
The congresswoman believes lifting restrictions on hydraulic fracturing could boost economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and enhance American energy independence.
