Jul 21, 2015 2 min read

A recent letter to the editor on gas drilling in Mt. Pleasant Township, published June 14, raised several questions regarding the safety, air quality and health impact that the natural gas industry has on Pennsylvania.

In addition, it was suggested that green energy would generate the same amount of revenue, jobs and economic benefits that responsible shale gas exploration has created. I would agree that green energy could possibly create jobs. However, millions in government tax dollars would be needed for its development in order to meet the public’s demand. In my experience, solar energy only works economically when funded by government subsidies.

In the meantime, I will weigh the options, the risks and benefits of gas exploration here in Pennsylvania. I live near well pads and compressor stations. It is noisy and inconvenient at times, but then I think about how the Marcellus Shale is on pace to produce 25 percent of America’s natural gas. The abundant supply of natural gas has lowered energy prices for all Pennsylvanians. Responsible natural gas development allows us to be less reliant on foreign energy sources and has invigorated the manufacturing sector across the commonwealth. In addition, the natural gas industry has generated good-paying jobs that allow Pennsylvania natives to stay in the state, work and raise their families. Today, the industry supports 243,000 jobs in Pennsylvania alone.

It was American ingenuity and hardworking Americans that developed the technology to harvest the natural resources that are so abundant in Pennsylvania. The natural gas revolution was not created in China and shipped here for us to purchase. Think about that.

The debate over natural gas exploration in Pennsylvania will continue. But let me leave you with one last thought, said to be from musician Frank Zappa: “A mind is like a parachute … It doesn’t work if it is not open.”

Paul Battista

McDonald