Gas debate needs dose of sanity

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July 16, 2012

Gas debate needs dose of sanity

Anonymous Daily Star The Daily Star Mon Jul 16, 2012, 03:25 AM EDT

The battle over horizontal shale drilling has been fueled by arguments about its safety, its effects on the environment and its ability to produce jobs in our area. The fight has been and will continue to be one of dramatic statements, sometimes drawn from emotional responses rather than sound facts and judgment.

From those against hydrofracking, we recently heard opposition to Otsego County's receipt of a $1 million state grant to fund a regional sustainability survey to find ways to increase energy efficiency.

Consulting firm Ecology and Environment Inc. will determine the sources of greenhouse gases released in the region and come up with inventories of transportation networks and water supply systems. This could lead to the use of natural gas and other sources to fuel the county's vehicles, replacing all or part of their need for diesel or gasoline.

Rather than considering the benefits of natural gas over other forms of fuel _ mainly its potential for a smaller carbon footprint and lower emission of fossil fuels _ the mere utterance of the words "natural gas" called forth the staunch opposition of the anti-fracking crowd.

Emotions seemed to rule out consideration of any other option, even if it could potentially be better for our area and the environment. Even if the natural gas is obtained by vertical drilling or other methods from wells established here or elsewhere.

Electric, biofueled or solar-powered vehicles would be more environmentally friendly, but we must consider all options that can save the county money and/or reduce fossil fuel emissions.

For our area to reasonably consider the use of natural gas, fuel producers must also act reasonably.

The upstate town of Avon recently passed a one-year moratorium on fracking. In response, Lenape Resources _ with more than 5,000 acres under lease and 16 wells in production in the town, according to a story by The Associated Press _ decided to shut down wells and turn off free gas to landowners.

This despite the fact that the moratorium specifically allows drilling done by Lenape and others to continue.

How can we trust the companies who want to drill in our area with our lands if they do not make an equally conscious effort to treat us with the respect we deserve?

The extreme words and actions on both sides can make us lose sight of the actual issues facing us concerning hydraulic fracturing.

We all need to stay focused if we hope to calmly and rationally deal with the outcome of the state Department of Environmental Conservation's ruling on fracking when it is released. Rather than allowing emotions or quick reactions to cloud our judgment, we must look at the facts and make reasonable decisions as to how we should proceed for the good of everyone.