Trending
A Dec. 6 letter to the Sun-Gazette ignores key facts and critical context around the recent health studies on natural gas development. The writer calls for readers to take a look at the evidence - so let's dive in:
Purely relying on modeling, researchers took no direct air or water quality measurements, never once visited a natural gas site, and failed to consider other environmental factors. In fact, the study found no direct causation to any health risk and actually shows a 50 percent decline in severe asthma cases in the region where natural gas development increased 200 percent.
And what about other studies? Those that actually conduct air or water testing, including Yale, Duke, Penn State, PA DEP, and University of Cincinnati research, among many others, conclude no systemic, widespread concerns tied to natural gas.
Our industry is committed to developing natural gas safely, responsibly and in a manner protective of public health, the environment, and our communities. To be clear, any legislation or regulation that seeks to further restrict the development, transportation or use of natural gas will harm our economy, undermine personal property rights, weaken national security and reverse the significant environmental progress enabled by this clean abundant energy source.
DAVID CALLAHAN
President, Marcellus Shale Coalition
Harrisburg
Submitted by email