Letter to the editor: Natural gas is Pa.'s advantage

Decades of independent research and fact-based data about clean and abundant American natural gas tell a very different story than what was conveyed in the op-ed “Natural gas not sustainable for Pa.’s data centers” (Sept. 19, TribLive). An overwhelmingly clear majority of voters across Pennsylvania — Democrats, Republicans and independents — recognize the value of and support the safe development of natural gas.

As even Gov. Josh Shapiro recently observed, natural gas is an essential part of the energy mix Pennsylvania and our nation need to win the global AI race given the increasing electricity demands of data centers. Natural gas is an environmentally — and economically — sustainable source that will help Pennsylvania become a leader in this space.

Thanks to natural gas, Pennsylvania’s air quality continues to improve, while delivering consumers more affordable and reliable power. Our abundant resources have positioned the commonwealth to emerge as a digital powerhouse. Data centers require round-the-clock power, and natural gas provides the reliability and flexibility that other intermittent energy sources like wind and solar can’t match.

Suggesting that natural gas is “unsustainable” ignores the reality that this abundant and responsibly produced energy resource has and continues to improve Pennsylvania’s environment, air quality, competitiveness, economy and workforce, and our nation’s security.

Because of Pennsylvania’s clear advantage, and the hard work of the industry’s more than 120,000 men and women that keep our lights on, we’re bettering countless lives and are well positioned to help America win the global AI race.

Jim Welty

Robinson