Sep 29, 2013 2 min read

Earlier this month, a study was released by the University of Texas regarding methane emissions during natural gas production. The study showed that leakage rates during natural gas well completions were 1.5 percent or lower. This low leakage rate shows natural gas is a better energy source than coal and assures everyone in this region that we are moving in the right direction with this development.

This study is a big deal for anyone living in areas of natural gas development like we are here in Washington County. Even with the great news from this report, I can’t help but feel discouraged that my state representative doesn’t share this excellent news. More specifically, I’m talking about state Rep. Jesse White.

White continues to identify himself as someone who supports the gas industry and is pro-drilling. However, I have never seen White put one positive thing on his Facebook page or recently say something positive in public. His Facebook page is filled with biased one-sided articles. This study should have been posted on his Facebook page.

Instead, White continues to throw fuel on the fire and further divide this community. He should be the glue that brings us together to look at this issue rationally.

Darlene Barni

Canonsburg