Letter to the editor: Renewables key to economic future

Regarding Conor Lamb and Kate Harper’s op-ed “Western Pa. ready to lead hydrogen energy revolution” (July 17, TribLive): Western Pennsylvania has the opportunity to lead an innovative and sustainable economy of the future. However, it must resist the push for unproven methane-derived hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies that would artificially prolong the life and harms of the fracking industry. We need to avoid empty promises, experimental technologies and boom-bust economic cycles that produce dangerous pollution.

There’s a better way. It’s not through PR distractions, fossil-fuel subsidies and a vast network of pipelines. The economic and environmental benefits of renewables are not a “political narrative” — they are facts: Renewables are cheaper and cleaner than fossil fuels. By investing in the manufacture and deployment of renewables, electrifying industry and homes, and retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency, we will build diverse and resilient local economies that offer family-sustaining jobs.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development has the financial and technical resources to execute this plan. It’s time to steer these resources in the right direction and make a significant impact.

Smart public policy is based on proven, existing solutions; it doesn’t prop up economically volatile and polluting energy sources. It’s time to end the distractions and get to work.

Donna Kohut

Poconos

The writer is policy manager for sustainable economics for PennFuture.