Paul Carpenter’s March 6 column (“Gas drilling symposium at NCC to challenge ‘bill of goods’ “) fundamentally disregards the overwhelmingly positive developments surrounding responsible, well-regulated natural gas production. While Mr. Carpenter cites propaganda from Rolling Stone and “Gasland” — a “documentary” that’s been thoroughly debunked by a broad spectrum of experts, including former state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger — he fails to recognize the facts. Has he even visited a well site or the countless rural communities that have been renewed thanks to Marcellus development?

Indeed, a new World Economic Forum study found that the oil and natural gas sector added 9 percent of all new jobs last year. Closer to home, 229,000 jobs in the commonwealth are now supported by natural gas development, according to data. Further, a recent University of Texas report proved once again that there is no scientific data that connects hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination. We’re all entitled to our own opinions, but not our own facts.

As President Obama said, “The development of natural gas is proving that we don’t have to choose between our environment and our economy.” The safe development of clean-burning natural gas is creating jobs and powering America’s economy, proving that we don’t — and shouldn’t — have to choose between protecting our environment and growing our economy.

Steve Forde
The writer is vice president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition in Canonsburg, Washington County.

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