Student Assembly

R.33 Marcellus Shale Drilling

Whereas, Cornell University is committed to environmentally sustainable practices, including the sustainable extraction of natural resources.

Whereas, the student body believes the University has a responsibility to protect the natural resources of the lands owned by, and adjacent to, Cornell University in order to safeguard these lands from pollution for the benefit of the entire Cornell community and surrounding population now and into the future.

Whereas, students are aware that natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale rock beds involves techniques known as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing which require the pumping of over a million gallons of water, laced with a variety of chemicals including over 50 which are classified as hazardous by the federal government, per natural gas well.

Whereas, horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have caused incredible environmental damage throughout the western United States and more recently in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, especially with regards to the crippling contamination of natural reservoirs used for drinking water.

Whereas, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (henceforth referred to as DEC) has proven itself unwilling and unable to adequately enforce regulations on drilling which could ensure against similar tragedies in New York.

Whereas, the University owns thousands of acres of land in Tompkins County and throughout the Southern Tier that could potentially be leased for gas drilling using these techniques.

Whereas, a decision to lease this land could expose the University, the Ithaca community, and the surrounding area to incredible risk, especially with regards to access to potable drinking water.

Whereas, any decision to lease would affect the health and safety of the entire Cornell community and the surrounding area.

Whereas, any such decision should be made transparently, and with input from all segments of the Cornell community.

Whereas, due to the legality of “compulsory integration,” leasing of Cornell owned land could deprive private landholders of the right to deny gas companies drilling rights on their land.

Be it therefore resolved, that the students of Cornell University hereby recommend that President David Skorton form a committee composed of faculty, staff, students, and administrators.

Be it further resolved, that this committee will be charged to investigate the potential risks and benefits associated with the leasing of Cornell owned land to hydraulic fracturing and submit clear recommendations to the President and the Cornell community regarding whether or not Cornell should lease any of its land holdings and whether Cornell should incorporate in leasing agreements safety requirements beyond the minimum required by the DEC.

Be it finally resolved, that no decision regarding leasing Cornell owned land and the safety guidelines incorporated into said leasing agreements be made before this committee completes its analysis and submits its recommendations to President Skorton and the Cornell community.

Respectfully submitted,

Adam Raveret
Arts and Sciences Representative
Environmental Committee Chairman

Cole Streiff
KyotoNOW!
Environmental Committee Member