By Ashley Hassett & Bert Gambini
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-951237.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Common Council passed a law Tuesday to prevent the process of fracking in the City.
Council members voted unanimously on this very controversial issue. Fracking is the method used to extract natural gas from the ground.
Leaders of Frack Action Buffalo gathered at City Hall following the Council vote. They say the method can create frack pits which may contain carcinogen's and neurotoxin's that could containment water systems.
Organizer of Frack Action Buffalo Rita Yelda said banning fracking will make for a safer and healthier Buffalo.
"This vote is a historical event that shines the light on the harms of fracking and will open the eyes of many New Yorkers. The Buffalo Common Council has had the foresight to see that gas drilling could compromise this city and those who call it home," said Yelda.
North Collins resident Natalie Brant joined anti-fracking citizens in downtown Buffalo following the Council's vote. Brant said everyday she experiences how dangerous hydro-fracking is.
"My family has been living this nightmare for three years now. I cannot use my tap water, my family has been very ill and one of my children has asthma. My children have had brain scans, unexplained viruses and respiratory issues. My tap water is still flammable and contaminated. I don't know from one day to the next what will come out of my tap. when my water is clear enough I can only give my children one minute showers. I have to live in constant fear, nobody should ever have to live like this," said Brant.
Brant said she will continue to fight against Hydro-fracking for all of New York State and encourages others to do the same.
You can read more about anti-fracking on line at Frack Action Buffalo