Once more, shale gas production is being promoted as the salvation for upstate economic woes. In Kelly Riddell's commentary ("Upstate's path to recovery," July 22), she questions celebrity claims at odds with her "economic and scientific facts."
But Riddell's "facts" are of little use, overstating economic benefits and misrepresenting the results of important new science.
Gas drilling has created jobs and raised some incomes in Pennsylvania. Despite this, unemployment rates of 7 percent to 8 percent persist in the shale gas producing counties nearest New York's Southern Tier. The drilling boom has not provided economic salvation.
But the drilling boom has contaminated groundwater. Directly contrary to Riddell's claim, a new Duke University study confirms that methane contamination of groundwater near shale gas wells is almost certainly the result of leakage from these wells. While the study authors suggest several mechanisms, the take home is clear: Scientific evidence shows shale gas wells in Pennsylvania have contaminated the water sources of nearby homeowners.
Our conversations on the use of hydraulic fracturing in New York would certainly be improved if honest presentation of our best knowledge were the norm.
James Booker
Professor of economics and environmental studies,
Siena College
Loudonville