Research

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of reports, hearing testimony, clippings, and related materials pertaining to the issue of offshore drilling for natural gas (hydrocarbons) under Lake Erie. Public hearings were held in 1975, at which producers, consumers, and industrial, environmental and civic groups testified. There was also extensive press coverage of the issue.

Included is a report by the committee (February 1976) recommending removal of the prohibition against leasing and drilling for gas beneath Lake Erie or its shoreline; and a report to the legislature by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on development of natural gas reserves (February 1977), including an environmental assessment prepared for the DEC by the firm of Lawler, Matusky & Skelly Engineers (January 1977). Transcriptions of proceedings and copies of hearing testimony and letters on both sides of the issue are also present.