The state Department of Environmental Conservation's 30-day extension for commenting on gas drilling in New York State falls short of the 180 days requested by many New Yorkers ,including 40 members of the state Assembly. A more sensible approach would be a gas drilling moratorium pending completion of a study of the issue by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Every day, new information emerges about the risks of hydro-fracturing and the negative effects it has already had in many areas of the country. Aside from the threat to our water and air, many of us will be affected by the roar of compressors and 24/7 lighting from drilling operations in our backyards.

What the DEC's latest draft of proposed regulations does not tell us is what our beautiful area will be like in 20 years with the projected thousands of wells dotting our landscape. Please come to the State Theatre on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. to make your voice heard., and visit www.shaleshock.org for more information.

Jonathan Kline

Hector