New York Town Weighs Ups and Downs of Gas Business

May 3, 2013

The City of Elmira is just seven miles from the Pennsylvania border. And for four years, the natural gas boom in Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier crossed over the border and boosted Elmira’s economy. But that boom has slowed down.

During the peak of activity, between 2008 and 2011, Chemung County had a median income growth of 27%, according to county executive Tom Santulli.

The slowdown began in 2012, leading to a $3 million decline in sales tax revenue. Santulli says the growth and last year’s decline were mainly driven by the natural gas industry across the border.

“So right now we’re somewhat in a slump and obviously there’s no business being driven by New York because we’re not doing it,” says Santulli.

Fracking is on hold in New York as the state's Department of Health reviews potential health impacts. Recently, Gov. Cuomo criticized the pro-fracking movement for failing to fully address the public's concerns.

At a public lecture organized by an Elmira anti-fracking group, three well-known speakers laid out the arguments against fracking.

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