S8836

The Senate passed S8836, a chapter amendment to the Environmental Conservation Law, by a vote of 58-4 on Calendar Number 157. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Serrano, amends S1069, which was enacted last year to prohibit gas and oil drilling on state forests, reforestation areas, and wildlife management areas. However, S8836 allows existing drilling leases in those areas to continue and be transferred to other parties. Sen. Martins, voting against the measure, criticized the amendment as contradicting the original bill's intent and suggested it was a requirement imposed by the Governor to sign S1069 into law. Martins argued that consistency demanded voting against allowing the very activity the prior legislation banned. Senators Oberacker, O'Mara, and Ortt joined Martins in opposition. The amendment passed with overwhelming support from the remaining membership.