“This judgment is a significant day of reckoning for Lee and his companies after years of blatant disregard for New York state’s stringent requirements at hundreds of oil well sites in Steuben and Cattaraugus counties,” said DEC Commissioner Seggos. I thank Attorney General Letitia James for her partnership in taking action to protect the public health and environment in Steuben and Cattaraugus counties.” “My administration is laser focused on taking decisive action in order to protect drinking water in communities across the state, and the record financial penalty announced today is a major victory for New York,” said Governor Hochul. “We remain steadfast in our efforts to hold accountable anyone who jeopardizes the health and safety of New Yorkers. I am grateful to Governor Hochul, Commissioner Seggos, and our partners at DEC for their partnership in stopping polluters and protecting the people.” “This case should make it clear that New York will stand up to anyone that threatens the health of our communities or our natural resources. These unlawfully operated oil wells threatened drinking water for countless families in the Southern Tier and Western New York and posed significant harms to the environment,” said Attorney General James.
“This is a crucial win for our efforts to protect New York’s air and water.
For years, Lee and his companies did not properly plug the wells they operated, which posed a significant danger to drinking water supplies and of releasing methane in the areas surrounding the wells.
Animal but plug full#
Lee and his companies were ordered by a State Supreme Court judge to pay the penalty - the largest financial penalty imposed in an oil and gas well case - and to bring his oil wells into full compliance with state laws. Lee and his corporate affiliates for flagrant violations of the state’s oil and gas well regulations and endangering communities in Steuben and Cattaraugus counties. NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $2 million judgment in a lawsuit against James R. Jeopardized Drinking Water in Steuben and Cattaraugus Countiesĭecision Includes Largest-Ever Financial Penalty Imposed for Well-Plugging Violations James Lee Ordered to Plug Hundreds of Oil Wells That