Gibson Eldridge debate fracking

Posted 8/21/12

19TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, NY — Republican Congressman Chris Gibson faced off against challenger Democrat Sean Eldridge in a debate over a wide range of issues before the editorial board of the …

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Gibson Eldridge debate fracking

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19TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, NY — Republican Congressman Chris Gibson faced off against challenger Democrat Sean Eldridge in a debate over a wide range of issues before the editorial board of the Poughkeepsie Journal on October 3, which was live-streamed on the Internet.

One of the topics covered was hydraulic fracturing. Eldridge tackled the topic first.

“So, this is something I disagree with President Obama on. He’s certainly making an energy plan that’s very dependent on fracking, but I’m really concerned about polluting our drinking water, and I think it’s the wrong approach to economic development.”

Asked what energy source he did support, Eldridge answered, “I certainly support renewables like wind and solar and hydro. I think it’s realistic to think that a larger percentage of our energy can come from that. And I think the federal government can play a role in making that more efficient, and in extending the tax credits to allow that to happen,

“If fracking were to go wrong and we were to pollute our drinking water, not only could that harm public health, but think about the damage that could do to our economy.”

With a different take on the issue, Gibson said in a letter sent to his constituents that he would support fracking “if it can be done safely.”

He said, “Studies are still being done. I supported Gov. Cuomo; this is the governor’s decision here. In my role as a congressman, my record is very clear. There’s been one vote on fracking in the United Sates Congress, and in that vote I was one of two Republicans to vote to protect water and air.

“You’re not going to go to Washington and ban fracking, especially not with President Obama supporting it, and my job as a congressman is to protect water and air, and I believe I’m doing that. The Environmental Defense Fund backed me. I’m the Republican lead on the Frack Act. This a Maurice Hinchey legacy; it’s four and a half pages; it’s simple.

“It has two concepts: you’ve got to disclose chemicals, and you have to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. So look, those who study this issue closely know that I’m doing all I can to protect water and air.

“The governor may ultimately decide not to frack. I’ve always said, let science lead the way, let’s see what these studies say. So I think the jury is still out on this.

“One other thing I want to bring up is home rule. I’ve always believed that at the end of the day, regardless of the decision that Gov. Cuomo comes out with, if people in a locality don’t want to frack, no one should force them. When the courts came out in favor of home rule, I thought that was one of the best developments and it was certainly something I support.”

Campaign claims

The two campaigns have attacked each other on the issue of fracking. Gibson’s campaign calls Eldridge hypocritical for attacking Gibson’s stand on fracking, while holding large investments in fracking companies. They issued this statement in a press release, “According to his financial disclosure, Sean and his husband own stock and/or bonds in at least 20 of the largest fracking companies in the country.”

The Eldridge campaign responded, and said, “Sean has a diverse set of investments that are managed by a third party. Similar to mutual and pension funds—including the New York State Common Retirement Fund—he’s invested in many sectors of the U.S. economy. If elected, Sean will place his investments in a blind trust.”

Eldridge also criticized Gibson for signing the “Koch Brothers’ Climate Pledge.” The pledge, which was created by the group Americans for Prosperity, which is funded by the Koch brothers, requires signers to “oppose any legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue.”

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