Gas extraction by high-volume, slickwater, hydraulic fracturing is a heavily industrialized process that in other states has caused significant water, air, and noise pollution, severely snarled traffic and damaged roads; and increased accidents and crime rates.

Gas drilling company are coming to the gas-rich Binghamton area next. If pursued in this area, it would harm tourism, hunting, fishing, agriculture, and our local economy.

Gas companies can force unleased neighbors to allow drilling under their land through compulsory integration. Instead, we should pursue energy conservation and sustainable sources of energy. We also should support community and state initiatives to help local farmers pursue sustainable farming methods that are economically viable.

Neither the Federal nor the New York State government has stepped forward to protect residents from this harmful gas-extraction practice, so local people and their governments must lead the way. Towns all across upstate New York are taking their future into their own hands and proposing and passing hydrofracking bans.

Let's ask Binghamton, NY—a major city in New York's Marcellus Shale—to join this movement.