FABIUS, NY -- Right now Fabius is farm country but gas companies are showing a lot of interest in what is underneath the quiet town.
When Velda Ward told a gas company she wasn't interested in drilling on her property, she thought it was her choice. Then she learned that a New York State law allows drilling under her land if 60% of her neighbors signed a lease.
"Taking the choice away is a huge part of it," said Ward. "The right to say no is removed from the discussion."
The law is called compulsory integration. At a Wednesday night meeting hosted by Land Stewards of New York, attorney Ken Holden helped landowners understand how the law could affect them. Under the law landowners are paid for gas under their land - but don't necessarily control the right to it.
William Fischer moved from northern Pennsylvania and the center of the hydrofracking debate to Fabius. He said he's worried about all the issues that come from gas drilling but especially hydrofracking
"If it's not regulated properly, it will destroy this area of the country," said Fischer.
Velda Ward says that whether or not they are in favor of drilling or hydrofracking, local landowners need to keep themselves informed and educated.
"This whole drilling industry is focusing itself entirely on the area that is prime farmland and Central New York is prime farmland," said Ward.
