LETTER Editorial on gas production misses mark

While previous Observer-Reporter editorials have acknowledged the strong and continued economic and environmental progress tied to safe natural gas production in Washington County, a June 17 editorial misses the mark.
Our members – who produce 95 percent of Pennsylvania’s clean-burning natural gas resources – put the health and safety of our communities and environment above all else. After all, we live here, too, and want the best, safest and brightest future for our kids and grandkids.
When it comes to methane, our industry is intent on effectively managing emissions. After all, methane is the very product we produce and sell, so it makes good business and environmental sense to capture and market this important resource. State and federal data clearly demonstrates that methane emissions continue to fall as natural gas production increases. Despite this progress, the state Department of Environmental Protection’s latest plan to regulate through permit is a misguided and unnecessary action that exceeds the agency’s authority.
Additionally, the editorial is fundamentally wrong by suggesting the Supreme Court “makes the clear point” that natural gas production is an industrial activity. While organizations that oppose Pennsylvania’s natural gas development are quick to twist facts, the court’s ruling is narrow and confirms that natural gas development is compatible with agricultural and residential zoned districts.
The court’s language is clear: “[T]his decision should not be misconstrued as an indication that oil and gas development is never permitted in residential/agricultural districts, or that it is fundamentally incompatible with residential or agricultural uses.”
Yet the editorial ignores this straightforward fact.
American natural gas has been and will continue to be a tremendous source of job growth and economic opportunity for communities and families across the commonwealth, especially in Washington County. We’re proud of this collaborative economic, environmental and national security progress and appreciate the opportunity to share these facts with readers.
David Spigelmyer
Marcellus Shale Coalition, Pittsburgh