CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

In response to growing interest in natural gas exploration, Democratic candidate for state Senate Don Barber is calling for a moratorium on gas drilling and leasing in the region.

“A gold rush for land leases in our region is on, but comprehensive protections aren’t in place,” Barber said in a campaign statement.

“The [state Department of Environmental Conservation] and the Legislature have to step up and address the concerns of residents who are worried about what will happen to their water and their land,” he said.

At the same time, Barber is not opposed to seeking natural gas on local lands, according to spokesman Michael Blaine.

“Don is for developing this resource, but he wants to have an open discussion about the best way,” Blaine said Monday.

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