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Representative Joe Hamm is right to be concerned about homeowners' expenses for energy. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to understand that prices for natural gas and other hydrocarbon fuels are determined mostly by international markets, not locally. The war in Ukraine has more influence on what we pay for fuel in Lycoming County than does whether or not we build more pipelines.
If Joe Hamm had attended the Home Improvement Show a few weeks ago -- and paid attention -- he would have seen how many local contractors are ready to conduct energy audits, put in insulation, install solar electricity systems and heat pumps. Unlike the big energy companies, these contractors offer good local jobs, and the money stays in the community. Most of what we spend on coal, oil and gas goes out of our community to the big international companies and further enriches people far away who are already wealthy.
It's been shown over and over, that conservation and development of alternative energy produces more and better employment than the oil and gas and coal industries. This is to say nothing about reducing CO2 emissions.
Sadly, the international energy companies have much deeper pockets than do our local citizens. These giant corporations can afford lobbyists and campaign contributions that local people can't hope to match. If Joe Hamm really cared about the needs of his constituents he would change his tune.
ARNO VOSK
Williamsport
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom