The Catskill Chronicle

ELDRED, NY (January 26, 2011) – The newly-formed Committees on Energy and the Environment of the Towns of Highland and Lumberland will co-host an informational forum on Saturday, February 19 to explore home-rule options as a safeguard against the dangers of natural gas extraction.

Attorneys Ben Price of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (www.celdf.org ) and Helen Slottje of the Community Environmental Defense Council (www.cedclaw.org ), whose community environmental law firms have civil rights and home-rule expertise, will be on hand to discuss local powers regarding gas drilling with members of the towns’ boards, zoning boards, planning boards, energy and environment committees and concerned citizens.

The forum will run from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon at the Eldred High School, 600 State Route 55, Eldred. The public is welcome to attend, although there will be limited time for questions.

A work session for town officials and committee members will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Highland Senior Center, 725 State Route 55, Eldred.

In case of inclement weather, check the Town of Highland website (www.townofhighlandny.com) for possible event cancellation or postponement.

For further information go to: www.highlandconcernedcitizens.com.