Albany, New York - January 7, 2013 - Hiscock & Barclay, LLP Partner Yvonne E. Hennessey participated in an expert fracking panel discussing the future of natural gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing in New York's Southern Tier on Thursday, January 3, 2013. The event was sponsored by the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.
The discussion centered around the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) ongoing environmental review of high-volume hydraulic fracturing, municipal home rule issues and the anticipated timetable for shale development in New York State. During the discussion, Hennessey noted that the DEC initially expected its environmental review of hydraulic fracturing, which began in mid-2008, to conclude in early 2010 but, due to an influx of public comment and emotion, the review process has been marked by delay and continues to be extended. She predicted that important decisions on allowing hydrofracking are now likely to be made by late February but that only a few gas companies are likely to actually begin drilling shale wells this year due to a number of factors including the stringent permitting requirements and procedures that have been proposed by the DEC.
Hennessey, resident in the firm's Albany office, brings years of experience representing clients in the oil and gas sector on complex regulatory and litigation matters. Hennessey has been actively involved in supporting oil and gas clients in the development of shale projects across New York State and in Pennsylvania and is an extensive speaker on this topic. Hennessey also has extensive experience in the Clean Air Act, hazardous waste site cleanup, and the siting and permitting of energy, solid waste and industrial facilities. Hennessey was recognized by the New York State Bar Association in September 2010 as one of the "brightest young members" of the Environmental Law Section. Most recently, she was named to the 2013 edition of Best Lawyers in America and is currently the President of the Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association.
Hiscock & Barclay, LLP, listed as a "Top 250 Firm" by The National Law Journal, is a full-service, 200-attorney law firm, with offices throughout the major cities of New York State, as well as in Boston, Washington, D.C. and Toronto, providing comprehensive legal and business counsel to a diverse client base in 31 practice areas. For more information on Hiscock & Barclay, visit www.hblaw.com.