The recent editorial “Fracking in N.J. should be determined by science, not money” (Nov. 27), perhaps by design, fails to acknowledge key facts regarding the safe, responsible and tightly regulated development of job-creating American natural gas.

Hydraulic fracturing is a key oil and natural gas production technology that’s been in commercial use for more than 60 years in the United States. Our industry, made up of highly trained technical experts, understands the safe and regulated nature of this technology, as do common-sense environmentalists.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, who served as New Jersey’s Environmental Protection commissioner under Gov. Jon Corzine, told Congress earlier this year: “I’m not aware of any proven case where the fracking process itself has affected water.” And last week, Jackson said, “As an environmentalist, I actually think natural gas is important for our country.”

It should also not be lost on your readers that American consumers, particularly New Jersey families, are benefitting from expanded domestic natural gas production.

Protecting our environment and putting Americans to work while bolstering our nation’s energy security are not mutually exclusive. We can and must responsibly leverage clean-burning American natural gas across the region. But this dialogue must be driven by science and facts — not hyperbole and scare tactics.

Kathryn Klaber, president, Marcellus Shale Coalition

NOTE: Click HERE to view this letter online.