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Switching from coal to gas is net gain for environment

Aditya Nochur argues that “several studies have found that methane leaks from fracking could have an even higher global warming impact than coal” (“ ‘Fracking’ shouldn’t be viewed with acceptance,” Letters, Sept. 3). However, one of the nation’s leading national laboratories, the federal National Energy Technology Laboratory, issued findings in August that natural gas emissions produced by hydraulic fracturing are roughly half those from coal when generating electricity.

While the laboratory’s study explains that hydraulic fracturing produces life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions that are about 3 percent higher than conventional natural gas drilling, that small increase is far outweighed by the emissions reductions that come when utilities switch from coal to gas to generate electricity. In other words, it’s a significant net gain for the environment.

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In addition, Nochur writes, “Fracking also causes severe local environmental damage and has already contaminated the air and water of numerous communities across the country.” In fact, there has been no definitive authoritative finding that hydraulic fracturing leads to groundwater contamination or endangers the health of residents. To the contrary, Lisa P. Jackson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, has stated that natural gas fracking can be done without harmful impacts, presenting a “historic opportunity’’ for the country in terms of energy development and job creation.

John Quinn
Executive director
Massachusetts Petroleum
Council
Boston