Regarding the article ”Fracking takes center stage in candidates’ pitches to Pennsylvania” (Oct. 31, TribLive): Pennsylvania voters are well-informed and aware of the benefits and broad bipartisan support for natural gas. Recent public opinion research shows strong support among Pennsylvania voters for expanding natural gas development as an essential strategy to lower energy costs and enhance our grid reliability, with 75% of voters in favor of increased energy development and 74% advocating for more natural gas infrastructure.
So, what drives this strong support? Natural gas has been a transformative economic force in the commonwealth and has led to unprecedented environmental progress while delivering both national and energy security.
The state’s natural gas industry supports more than 120,000 good-paying jobs, with an average annual wage of nearly $97,000. It has also revitalized entire communities and segments of the economy, including our manufacturing base.
What’s more, Appalachia-produced natural gas only continues to get cleaner. By utilizing advanced technologies, regional producers have achieved a nearly 17% reduction in methane intensity over the past year alone. And while natural gas production rose by about 40% nationwide from 2015 to 2022, independent researchers estimate that methane emissions decreased by 37% during that time period.
Consumers recognize the importance of clean reliable energy. While we are in the midst of a period of heightened political polarization, the essential need for energy security extends beyond party lines.
Dave Callahan
Robinson The writer is president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition.