file. - Otsego County Conservation Association

6.8.1.2 Representative Regions
The rdSGEIS discusses that the economic benefits involved in oil and gas development have the
potential to expand economies both locally and nationally. However, due to the finite nature of
natural resources, regional and national growth that is dependent on those resources is also
finite and inevitably follows a boom and bust cycle. The DEC fails to adequately address this
reality and the potentially profound effect it will have on the region's economy v , housing market,
and government revenue and expenditure. The bibliography in the rdSGEIS indicates that the
DEC knows about studies on the boom and bust cycle of natural gas extraction and its effects on
rural communities vi , but the Department fails to discuss potential impacts in the context of
Marcellus shale development and post-development.
The employment benefits with regard to oil and gas development activities are limited and nonsustainable.
Similar to other natural resource extraction industries, employment of this nature
has only a small window of time for large-scale employment. When development activities wind
down, only a few individuals will remain to carry out routine maintenance duties.
The DEC recognizes that tourism will likely decrease as a result of the industrial activities
associated with oil and gas development. In several regions in upstate New York, tourism is a
significant component of the local economy. Otsego County is particularly dependent on its
tourism industry, which is based on the Baseball Hall of Fame and the county’s beautiful scenery,
clear air and water, and bucolic small communities. Individuals who seek to enjoy the scenic and
cultural resources of Otsego County may be deterred as the industrialization of our communities
and landscapes progresses. Tourism, unlike natural resource extraction, has the potential to
contribute to Otsego County’s economy indefinitely.
The DEC briefly mentions that the agricultural industry may also be adversely affected by
drilling-related activities. However, the DEC does not quantify the degree or character of the
impact; instead, the Department simply states that it may occur. The DEC should address how
drilling-related activities may affect agriculture, including soil quality, availability of agricultural
workers, and noise and pollution impacts on livestock and general farm operations.
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