24th November 2016, 12:01 AM
Well, I will admit I'm not invested in this like you clearly are -- we don't have fracking here, or any other kind of oil drilling either. If we did have it nearby maybe I'd be opposed too, that's entirely possible -- earthquakes aside, the potential for groundwater contamination certainly is a potentially big deal. But as it is, why should I completely oppose something which does reduce carbon emissions? And it does; that methane can be captured (yes, it isn't always, but it should be!) and the kind of emissions coal give off are some of the worst for the planet.
Or like, most people here in Maine have oil-burning furnaces for heat. (I've heard that in other parts of the country oil heat is less common, but here it's ubiquitous.) Natural gas is both cleaner and cheaper than oil, it's a good alternative where available. Most people can't afford to heat their homes on geothermal or something and electric heat is crazy expensive, so it's one fossil fuel or the other currently sadly...
Or like, most people here in Maine have oil-burning furnaces for heat. (I've heard that in other parts of the country oil heat is less common, but here it's ubiquitous.) Natural gas is both cleaner and cheaper than oil, it's a good alternative where available. Most people can't afford to heat their homes on geothermal or something and electric heat is crazy expensive, so it's one fossil fuel or the other currently sadly...