ALBANY, N.Y. (WHCU) – A top New York environmental official has responded to reports of potential CO2 drilling in the Southern Tier.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos was asked how the company Southern Tier Solutions’ fracking ambitions would align with the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s (CLCPA) goals at the Environmental Conservation joint legislative budget hearing.

However, Commissioner Seggos has his doubts.

State Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles recently introduced a bill to ban CO2 drilling. The Texas-based Southern Tier Solutions has reportedly inquired about leasing land from more than 6,000 Broome County residents.