A recent headline in The New York Times said it all: "Gas Drilling Is Called Safe in New York." But, according to Philip Bump, the leaked report that was the basis for the article was filled with so many caveats and outdated info as to be useless.
Under the direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York State is involved in an intense effort to determine the potential public health and environmental consequences of hydrofracking as it considers whether or not to lift a ban on the drilling practice. A recent article in The New York Times seemed to indicate that the practiced had been deemed safe. The Times article was based on a leaked report from the New York Health Department.
Just a couple of problems, says Bump. "While the report suggests that fracking doesn’t pose risks, there are at least two gigantic caveats....Yes, the report is an aggregation of existing research, not new reporting on any health effects. And, yes, it’s outdated."
FULL STORY: Leaked, useless report suggests fracking is fine for New Yorkers
Allegheny River Town Debates Fracking Water Treatment Plant
Opponents cite environmental risks, supporters hope the facility will boost the economy of a struggling community.
Study: Fracking Chemical Disclosures Prompt More Cautious Behavior
Because toxic chemicals used in fracking can contaminate local water supplies, residents in states that require companies to disclose their materials are more likely to increase their bottled water consumption.
Texas Earthquakes Linked to Fracking
A new study reveals earthquakes that began at shallower depths than previously thought are associated with wastewater disposal sites from fracking operations.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie