Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Erika Strassburger’s op-ed “Pa. must lead on renewable energy” (April 24, TribLive) wrongfully sidelines Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry and ignores the reality that affordable, reliable energy and environmental progress go hand in hand. Despite billions in subsidies and years of government support, intermittent energy sources like wind and solar remain uncompetitive — and regardless, rely upon natural gas as their on-demand backup.
Wind and solar are heavily dependent on weather and require massive infrastructure investments just to function part time. Meanwhile, natural gas is already delivering what these intermittent sources only promise: affordable, dependable and clean energy.
Natural gas is the foundation of Pennsylvania’s energy success. It provides over half the state’s electricity, supports hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs and keeps our state attractive for new business investment. Unlike solar panels or wind turbines, much of which rely on components from overseas, natural gas is a truly American industry that strengthens energy and national security. As recently observed by the North American Electric Reliability Corp., residents were able to weather extreme, extended cold weather this past winter thanks in large part to the performance of our natural gas systems.
There is room for all forms of energy, provided they are able to compete on an even playing field. And natural gas continues to be the most proven, cost-effective and scalable way to deliver it.
We know what works — and what doesn’t work. Let’s not gamble with our energy future.
Patrick Henderson
Robinson