“Drill, baby, drill” is a rallying cry and a promise to lower prices and improve our lives. But is it really true?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, we produce much more natural gas than we use, exporting about 75% of our output. We also produce more electricity than we consume, transmitting it to other states over regional grids such as the PJM Interconnection.

Yet the latest EIA data shows that Pennsylvanians paid more than the national average for both residential natural gas and electricity.

Since 2009, Pennsylvanians have experienced poisoned well water, dramatic well blowouts and health issues, such as a two to three times greater likelihood of childhood cancer due to fracking. Our current setback requirement for drill pads is 500 feet, which experts say is far too close to prevent the harmful effects of emissions and leaks.

This is not a call to ban fracking; but there is no urgent need to increase drilling, and the benefit of doing so is questionable.

Do you want to live within 500 feet of a drill pad? Well, it can happen whether you want it or not.

Lisa Sittler

Economy

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