MAILBAG: Natural gas isn't really so special - Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
MAILBAG: Natural gas isn't really so special | Opinion | lockportjournal.com
Kory Schuler says New York State's climate legislation doesn't explicitly mandate the discontinuation of natural gas service. This is correct. However, the law clearly lays out the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. Since natural gas combustion is the major contributor to these emissions, we understand that the transition away from gas directly aligns with the state's climate goals.
Schuler's editorial ("NY should not abandon natural gas system," published Feb. 16 by the Union-Sun & Journal) goes on to argue that natural gas is necessary to maintain the health and general welfare of New Yorkers, especially during emergencies such as storms. This is misleading. The real issue is how to ensure reliable energy sources during emergencies. Relying solely on natural gas is not the most resilient option as we saw in Texas during a recent severe winter when natural gas infrastructure failed miserably. Diversifying energy sources, including renewables and battery storage, enhances resilience and reduces dependence on fossil fuels vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Schuler also says the electrical infrastructure needed to replace natural gas doesn't exist. A complete transition will not happen overnight, but the state has been speeding up the transition to cleaner energy sources. And the transition factor is embedded in the NYHEAT Act’s provision for a gradual decommissioning of gas infrastructure. Developing renewable energy infrastructure, coupled with advancements in grid technology, will create a more reliable and sustainable energy system over time.
Furthermore, the critique of the HEAT Act's affordability provision ignores the importance of addressing high energy costs and ensuring equitable access to essential services. Capping utility bills for low-to-moderate-income households both alleviates financial burdens and promotes energy efficiency and conservation.
The editorial’s suggestion that we should explore emerging technologies like renewable natural gas and hydrogen as alternatives to replacing the natural gas system is unconvincing. So far we have seen no hard evidence these technologies will reduce emissions.
In addition, if Mr. Schuler is truly concerned about health and safety, he must acknowledge the devastating effects of natural gas on air quality, indoors and outdoors. Natural gas contributes significantly to air pollution, which in turn contributes to respiratory diseases such as asthma and to cardiac illness. The burning of natural gas also contributed to the wildfire smoke and extreme heat that sent hundreds of New Yorkers to the hospital last summer.
Finally, while there may be challenges associated with the clean energy transition, we must prioritize the long-term sustainability of the planet. The way to do that is to urge Governor Hochul, state senate chair Andrea Stewart Cousins, and state assembly chair Carl Heastie to prioritize passage of NYHEAT this year.
GEORGE ANN CARTER, Warsaw