Prepare now for the downsides
New York state residents should assume that deep shale gas production will leave a permanent mark on its countryside over the next few decades and beyond. Unless sufficient steps are taken now to finance the prevention or mitigation of potential damages, future generations will have to figure out how to clean up the hazardous materials and contamination left behind in their water and soil, farms and communities.
Both Pennsylvania and New York have a long history of regulating shallow natural gas production. But this experience has left an embarrassing legacy of contamination. In Pennsylvania, for example, the Department of Environmental Protection estimates that of over half a million wells drilled, the current status of over 300,000 is unknown.
New technologies used in deep shale drilling present additional and unforeseen regulatory challenges over the coming decades. Orphaned wells are only one of many new and previously unknown potential threats because of the numerous technological differences between the old and new modes of getting gas out of the ground.
What will industry’s legacy be in New York? To ensure apositive legacy, transformative steps need to be taken immediately at all levels of government and society to prepare the state for large-scale deep shale drilling operations. Do not assume your government will be able to protect the health and well-being of your family, business and communities from the adverse risks that could occur over the next one to two generations. Prepare for the downsides.
Philip Johnson
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Opinion
Your Opinion: December 29, 2011
- Our Opinion
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Our Opinion: Vote for Pohl
Cooperstown Central School graduate Phil Pohl is among 10 finalist in the Lowe’s Senior Class Award. First off congratulations, Phil. You have always shined on and off the baseball diamond. Pohl graduated at the top of his class and was a two-time Class C New York state Player-of-the-Year while at CCS.
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Our Opinion: Put an end to the chemicals
The use of chemical herbicides and pesticides was the main topic at a meeting of the village’s environmental conservation committee meeting Tuesday morning.
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Our Opinion: Town board made right decision
Last week, the Otsego town board voted to grant the village’s Gateway Project “limited zoning immunity.” The decision nullified a stop work order issued to the project earlier by Otsego Town Code Enforcement Officer Hank Schecher.
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Our Opinion: Small tax increase a good idea
The village board held its public hearing on the budget Monday night and no one showed up to voice opposition to the 2 percent tax increase approved late last month by the trustees.
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Enjoy area activities, attractions
With the rising gas prices many people are counting pennies just to keep food on the table, much less thinking about taking a family vacation.
Continued ... - Thursday, March 15, 2012
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Our Opinion: Contest or not, vote
Next Tuesday is the annual village election. Residents will vote for a new mayor and two members of the board of trustees.
Continued ... - Friday, March 9, 2012
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Our Opinion: Roses
Roses to the Cooperstown Concert Series for the completion of another entertaining season. The series has been providing live entertainment for the community during the fall and winter for 42 seasons. Each year the series brings that entertainment to Cooperstown through the efforts of the many volunteeers in the organization. Their efforts and the support of their patrons and sponsors adds a great deal to life in the village.
Continued ... - Friday, March 2, 2012
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Our Opinion: Taking concussions seriously
Traumatic brain injury is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, it contributes to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. Recent data shows that, on average, about 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually. It is becoming a national concern!
Continued ... - Thursday, February 23, 2012
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Our Opinion: Roses
Roses to the Cooperstown boys and girls basketball teams for their winning ways this season. The boys record is 18-1 and the girls stand at 16-3 and both teams won their Section Three quarterfinal games last Friday. This Friday, the top-seeded boys will play fifth-seeded Syracuse Academy of Science in the sectional semifinal and the second-seeded girls will face No. 3 seed Fabius-Pompey. We wish both teams the best as they march toward the championships.
Continued ... - Thursday, February 16, 2012
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Our Opinion: Override helps keep options open
The village board of trustees will hold a public hearing later this month on a local law that would allow the village to exceed the 2 percent property tax cap approved by Governor Andrew Cuomo and the legislature.
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Our Opinion: Vote for Pohl
- Your Opinion
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Your Opinion: May 10, 2012
I am a candidate to continue with another term on the Cooperstown school board. My background is a graduate degree in technology education and professional experience in financial planning and management and regulatory compliance as director of a nonprofit community development corporation. I started on the Cooperstown board in 1996 and have seen much change in how New York manages public education in funding support, mandates, and expectations.
Continued ... - Your Opinion: May 3, 2012
- Your Opinion: March 15, 2012
- Your Opinion: March 8, 2012
- Your Opinion: March 1, 2012
- Your Opinion: February 23, 2012
- Your Opinion: February 9, 2012
- Your Opinion: January 19, 2012
- Your Opinion: January 5, 2012
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Your Opinion: May 10, 2012
