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.
Opinion
Gas debate needs dose of sanity
- Opinion
-
-
Schools must find ways to deal with threats
Anonymous threats to schools are nothing new. Through the years, they have consisted -- among other messages -- of anonymous phone calls, magazine or newspaper lettering glued to a letter, and scrawled warnings on a bathroom mirror.
-
City should improve access to river
Many cities make the river running through it a focal point for its scenic qualities. By doing this, they attract more people to their city to spend some time there and also utilize the stores, restaurants and hotels.
-
Otsego County veteran's director is top-notch
The veterans of Otsego County are being well-served by Jack Henson, director. I feel he is the best director that has ever served in this county.
-
On our Opinion: Cheers
To the DEP's "The Watershed Experience," the Oneonta High School Envirothon team, and to ROPS rebate funding.
-
Make sure Blodgett project holds water
Many thanks to Dennis Finn and the Planning Commission for allowing unrestricted public comment on the Blodgett Drive housing project at the commission’s May 15 meeting. Most who spoke are residents of the area who know the safety and drainage issues well.
-
We need a law against Google Glass
It’s a technological marvel; a product ahead of its time, or at least ahead of the law for the time being, that is.
- Monday, May 20, 2013
-
Make sure you vote in school tax election
School superintendents have it anything but easy in these challenging economic times. In addition to dealing with myriad day-to-day and semester-to-semester issues, they have to have Solomon-like political acumen and management skills.
-
No foreign aid until our needs are met
I couldn't agree more with Sal Furnari's letter published in the Weekend edition. I would also like to add that when I was growing up I was taught to "take care of my own first" and then share with others.
-
THIS WEEK'S POLL
-
It's sad to see Rich Murphy retire
It was a sad day for Otsego County when Rich Murphy announced his intention to retire from the county board at the end of his current term.
-
Liberal media only care about themselves
Sounds like it all depends on 'whose ox is being gored' when it comes to the illegal phone tappings of reporters.
-
Street Talk: May 20, 2013
Do you think that recent high school graduates have a harder time finding a job than previous generations?
- Saturday, May 18, 2013
-
Casino in our area worth talking about
If Gov. Andrew Cuomo has his way, casinos will be awarded to three upstate locations.
-
Public financing could cure pols' paranoia
Paranoia is an irrational fear of persons, places or events that have no basis in reality.
-
Resort proposal is just too big
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center is a New York state taxpayer-owned recreational area. People who have paid for BMSC with their hard-earned dollars should not have to also pay for the infrastructure necessary to assure an enjoyable ski experience for the visitors to a private developer's monster mega-mall/spa resort on a mountaintop.
- Friday, May 17, 2013
-
Take precautions to prevent kidnappings
It has been nearly two weeks since the arrest of Ariel Castro in Cleveland on rape and kidnapping charges for acts that should send a chill through the spines of everyone in America.
-
Redistributing wealth just isn't fair
Yesterday a dozen of us were eating lunch in the break room where I work, most of us complaining that all we could afford was peanut butter and jelly and bologna ... except for Rob.
-
Hoping many will adopt a grave
It's that time of year again; adopt a grave. I am hoping when you buy flowers or a plant for a family member or friend's grave that you will buy some for another grave. I wish everyone would open up their heart and honor someone else by putting flowers on their grave. My hope is that groups, families and youth groups adopt a cemetery or a grave, and at least once a year that person or persons will be remembered. I started out with two and now am up to 14. It doesn't have to be expensive; just what your heart tells you to do.
- Thursday, May 16, 2013
-
IRS, Justice actions violate our trust
After the recent actions of the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Justice Department, belief in the integrity of our government is hanging by a very slender thread.
-
Blame Dems for Social Security woes
In his inaugural address President Kennedy said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.'
-
Schools must find ways to deal with threats
