CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

BINGHAMTON -- For the second time in as many months, The Forum will play host to a lengthy public hearing related to the ongoing natural gas drilling debate

This time, the topic at hand will be whether Broome County should lead a state-mandated environmental review if the county decides to sign a mineral rights lease deal, as it is currently considering.

The hearing will take place on Oct. 14, and will be comprised of two sessions: 2 to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Signing a lease for county land is subject to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, which determines whether or not an action would have a significant environmental impact. An involved entity must lead and fund the SEQRA process, and the County Legislature will consider a resolution that would declare itself the lead agency.

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