Creating a false choice is a convenient tactic to sway opinion when the facts aren’t on one’s side. Such seems to be the case in the letter “Renewable energy investments protect jobs, public health” (Feb. 14, TribLive), which attempts to force readers into an either-or narrative of developing natural gas or improving our environment.
Natural gas is the single most impactful resource that’s significantly reduced power sector emissions, federal data shows, contributing nearly twice as much to emission reductions as other power sources, including renewables. This is where our competitive advantage lies and is why natural gas isn’t just complementary to other forms of energy but necessary for their utilization.
Creating false narratives about natural gas development is a thinly veiled attempt at undermining the legitimacy of our industry by disregarding the safeguards surrounding domestic energy production, transportation and use. Impoverished communities around the world need affordable and cleaner energy, and natural gas is an economically viable and sustainable solution.
Independent and peer-reviewed empirical studies from various universities and state government conclude no systemic, widespread concerns to human health and the environment are tied to natural gas.
The modern natural gas industry is composed of scientists, health and safety professionals, environmental experts and highly skilled blue-collar workers, all focused on ensuring the work we do is done right and in the most sustainable way possible.
Thoughtful consumers and policymakers see through the false narratives and rightfully embrace natural gas as key to our current and future progress.
Dave Callahan
Robinson
The writer is president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition.