Letter: Gas drilling is shortsighted

I deeply regret Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's ill-informed decision to allow hydraulic fracturing to proceed in the state of New York, except in the New York City and Syracuse watersheds, and on state land ["Drilling method OKd," News, July 1].

This begs the question, why are those watersheds more precious than those of Buffalo and many other cities? If the process is truly safe, why exempt New York City? I strongly oppose this permanent environmentally destructive process, which respects no clear boundaries underground and cannot be cleaned by any technology.

In future emergency situations, states with potable water, which are fewer now, will possess a resource worth far more than diamonds or platinum.

In the meantime, lawsuits are proceding for toxic exposure to the carcinogens (benzene and others) that are used in fracking, in addition to litigation involving vast numbers of well loss, permanent destruction of real estate value, and indeed, the contamination and destruction of whole communities. Activists will be working to make legal redress accessible to countless victims, a nightmare that will soon drain many state budgets.

William O. DeRegibus, Matinecock