Andy Goodell wrote: >> I'm curious if there's any data on local gas resources versus those from >> far away. Whenever I talk with someone about the gas drilling, I have to >> wonder if it is more sustainable to drill for gas locally, or to get our >> resources from places like the Middle East. I can only imagine that their >> energy extraction sites have significantly less regard for the >> environment, and the amount of energy used to ship that energy to us must >> be outstanding as well. If those assumptions are true, wouldn't it then >> be more sustainable to get our non-renewable resources locally? >
One of the facts of gas and oil extraction is that the company that puts the straw in the earth and sucks up the resource then OWNS it. The gas/oil market is a world wide market. Gas extracted in upstate NY enters the international market before it reaches the surface of the earth (futures markets). It is sold wherever in the world the price is best for the company that OWNS it. New York does not own it. You and I certainly do not own it. So those big pipelines that run south to the harbor carry the resources from under our beautiful land to the Market way beyond local, often leaving environmental destruction for the "locals" (that's us) to deal with . The only time some of the gas stays in the place where it is produced is if someone has a lease contract with the company that states they will get enough gas for their own use. And, as I understand it, it is piped into the house or factory _without_ the additive that gives it a distinctive odor - making for a dangerous situation if there is a leak. When I look at the reports and photos from other parts of the US where gas extraction is ongoing, including next door in PA, I see no regard for the environment on the part of the extractors. I see no inclination to be responsible to future generations. I see only get in, despoil and get out. This is not sustainable practice! It would be more sustainable to get and to protect our renewable resources locally - clean water, food, firewood, sunshine, quiet enjoyment of the trees. Transportation is tougher. Home heating is tougher. Everything in this country seems to work only on "government incentives" these days. Patterson's energy plan does little to support the development of alternative energy systems in NY. Let him know you want that included! Now is the time for letter writing. Wouldn't you rather have a windmill next door than a gas well staging area? Marie McRae Dryden _______________________________________________ For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/ RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for: [email protected] http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins Questions about the list? ask [email protected] free hosting by http://www.mutualaid.org
