The Road to the White House Is Not Lined With Fracking Rigs

How did you spend your weekend? Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo spent his talking up the presidential potential of his son, current New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, telling people that the younger Cuomo may "have an opportunity to serve at a higher level, to serve the people of the United States."

While it's always nice to see a parent take pride in the accomplishments of their children, in this case, the elder Cuomo's plug seems a little premature. Right now, nearly 20,000,000 New Yorkers are waiting to learn the fate of their essential resources as Governor Andrew Cuomo considers proposals to open New York State to shale gas development.

But the road to the White House is not lined with fracking rigs, and Cuomo's cozy relationship with the oil and gas industry does not bode well for his energy policies if ever elected president. Before Governor Cuomo throws his hat into the ring, he needs to address the needs of his current constituents by banning fracking in New York.

All Americans deserve a future lit by clean, truly renewable energy, not dirty fossil fuels. Fracking threatens the air we breathe, the water we drink, the communities we love and the climate on which we depend. We don't need it in New York, or anywhere else.

Opening New York up to fracking will set a dangerous precedent -- in the state and the 2016 presidential campaign. Tell Governor Cuomo to preserve essential resources in New York and beyond by rejecting fracking.