A recent editorial called for a discussion around “fracking’s environmental impacts” (“One-sided discussions on issues don’t promote true progress,” March 11) What experience, scientific studies and technological innovation tells us is clear: natural gas is developed safely and responsibly across the Commonwealth.

The facts speak for themselves. A decade’s worth of continuous water monitoring from the Susquehanna River Basin, which covers some of the highest natural gas producing counties and hosts a significant number of the state’s exceptional value waterways, has shown “no discernable impact” to water quality or quantity. What’s more, natural gas production here has among the lowest rates of water usage in the nation and more than 90% is recycled and reused in future operations, according to a federal study.

It’s similar evidence with air quality, too. Pennsylvania producers have achieved exceptionally low methane emissions across their operations as technology has evolved and operators innovate new designs and operational approaches. And, thanks to greater natural gas use in power generation, Pennsylvania has seen a 46% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, over 90% reductions in emissions that lead to respiratory ailments. These air quality improvements have provided nearly $1 trillion in public health benefits for residents, according to state environmental data.

Pennsylvania’s regulatory framework has long been recognized as one of the strongest in the country, ensuring that natural gas development is conducted responsibly while protecting water, air and public health.

Despite having the benefit of all of these facts, the Delaware River Basin Commission chose to side with extremists and junk science by banning natural gas development across the region and depriving residents of their property rights. It’s past time for the commissioners to revisit this decision, acknowledge the significant amounts of scientific evidence already provided to them, and restore the rights of Pennsylvanians to realize the value of the natural gas resources trapped beneath their lands.

Patrick Henderson, Marcellus Shale Coalition, Harrisburg

This letter ran on March 17, 2025 in the Scranton Times-Tribune and can be viewed here as well.