Thomas P. DiNapoli (D-Great Neck), chairman of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, recently held a hearing in Elmira, NY on the expansion of natural gas and oil development in New York State. The hearing explored various issues associated with this expansion, including the financial aspects of natural gas exploration and extraction, the rights of private landowners and local communities with respect to gas and oil leasing and development, and the ways in which current state law and regulation address these issues.

Assemblyman DiNapoli said, "Natural gas production in New York is at historically high levels. This hearing focused on steps necessary to ensure the responsible and equitable development of this important resource."

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, 36 billion cubic feet of natural gas were extracted from New York wells in 2003, twice the amount extracted in 2000. Several factors have contributed to this dramatic increase, including the development of the expansive Trenton-Black River formation, unusually high natural gas prices, the use of new drilling technology, and increased demand for cleaner-burning fuels. Gas and oil development on state lands is also increasing, with more than 100,000 acres now subject to lease.

Assemblyman DiNapoli said, "We must ensure that natural gas and oil development on both public and private lands is fully protective of the environment and public safety. Hearing different points of view will assist the committee in determining what legislation is necessary."

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Office of the Attorney General, Fortuna Energy Inc., Southwestern Oil Company/Western Land Services, as well as local landowners testified at this hearing.

More than 80 children in the 16th Assembly District responded to the Summer Reading Challenge set up by Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli.

"Reading is the key that opens the door to a whole world of information as well as adventure," said Assemblyman DiNapoli.

Calendars were distributed to schools and libraries in the 16th Assembly District. Parents were asked to mark off the days that they read with their children. If 40 or more days were marked off, the children earned a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate.

The top participants who read 62 books were:

Armen Bijmenian, a third-grader from New Hyde Park

Kyle Cherry, a first-grader from Manhasset

Carlos Coelho, a second-grader from Mineola

Katharine Hoops, a third-grader from Williston Park

Caitlin Kennedy, a fifth-grader from Mineola

Conor La Camera, a third-grader from Albertson

Billy Miecuna, a first-grader from Great Neck

Vithushan Nimalan, a third-grader from Mineola