Alec Baldwin to host anti-fracking event

'30 Rock' actor is the latest big name to go up against the natural gas industry.

Fri, May 04 2012 at 11:26 AM

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Celebs, Shale Gas, Fracking

Photo: ZUMA Press

Alec Baldwin has long been critical of America's dependence on fossil fuels, most recently publicly slamming Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma and his ties to the oil industry. Via Twitter, the "30 Rock" actor called Inhofe someone who has "betrayed every man and woman who lost their livelihood on the Gulf due to BP's overwhelming negligence ..."

So it makes sense that Baldwin has joined the growing movement against the natural gas industry and its plans to start fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, in New York state. According to sources, Baldwin will host an event on June 2 called What the Frack? at Syracuse's Landmark Theatre. The 2010 Oscar-nominated documentary about fracking, "Gasland," will be shown on the big screen at the downtown venue.

Tickets are $22 for adults or $12 for students, and may be purchased by calling 475-7980 or online thru Ticketmaster.

Why Syracuse? Baldwin's mother is a longtime resident of the city and manages the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. Central New York is also on the front lines of the hydrofracking issue.

The event will come only a few weeks after a major concert benefit in Albany against the practice of fracking. On May 15, performers Medeski, Martin, and Wood; Tracy Bonham, Joan Osborne, The Felice Brothers, The Horseflies, Ida, and Natalie Merchant will join celebs like Mark Ruffalo and Melissa Leo in downtown Albany for a massive rally.

“I’m a life-long resident of rural New York, and I’m terrified of what may happen to my home state if hydraulic fracturing begins," said singer Merchant. For ticket details, visit NYAgainstFracking.org.

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