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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Congratulations Cooperstown softball
It is hard to believe that Cooperstown's softball team had never won a division or playoff title until this week.
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Happy CYB has found a home
Cooperstown Youth Baseball has finally found a home. However, it is a bit sad it could not be in the village that is often referred to as the "home of baseball."
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Change is never taken lightly
We are glad the Cooperstown Central School Board finally chose a nickname, but were surprised by the plummeting attendance rate at meetings pertaining to the matter. What seemed to be a hot-button issue attracting nearly 100 people for and against a name change at initial meetings seemed to simmer to complete no shows toward the end.
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Tax cap is deceiving
As if figuring out one's tax bill isn't mind boggling enough. In its second year of implantation, the 2 percent limit on property tax increases makes things all that more complicated. One cannot just assume his or her individual taxes will not increase more than the cap threshold.
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Earth Festival is a good start to spring
We hope Mother Nature brings us some sunshine and spring weather this weekend. But if not, there is a predominantly inside event coming up that should help get visitors thinking about spring.
Continued ... - Thursday, April 4, 2013
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Education heading in wrong direction
It is good to see that with teachers changing their curriculums to teach for the Common Core State Standards that there is still some hands-on learning going on locally.
Continued ... - Thursday, March 28, 2013
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Good luck, Tommy
Perhaps the third time will be the "charm" for Cooperstown Central School seventh-grader Tommy Knight.
Continued ... - Thursday, March 21, 2013
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Eliminate the gap elimination adjustment
Despite Gov. Andrew Cuomo's promise in his budget address to increase funding for education, local school officials are saying they are not receiving enough state aid to fund even basic services.
Continued ... - Thursday, March 14, 2013
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Groff is off to good start
Former Cooperstown Central School student and athlete Sarah Groff visited Cooperstown in November to share her dream of making it to the Olympics. She had just missed the podium at the London Games.
Continued ... - Thursday, March 7, 2013
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Blindsided by CV-S vote
As we all know, school districts are facing financial insolvency and are being forced to reconsider the ways they do business. That includes mergers when fielding athletic teams.
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Congratulations Cooperstown softball
- Your Opinion
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- In our readers' opinion
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Our readers' opinion
I received this statement from Christine Drew Martin, a former resident of Oaksville, who is the daughter of the late Ruth Yule, beloved English teacher at CCS.
Continued ... - In our readers' opinion
- Our Readers' Opinions: Nov. 21, 2012
- Our Readers' Opinions: Nov. 15, 2012
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In Our Readers' Opinion
Kudos to Mayor Jeff Katz and the board of trustees for revisiting the possibility of using paid parking to raise the funds necessary to keep our village streets in good condition.
Continued ... - In your opinion: Oct. 25, 2012
- Our Readers' Opinions: Oct. 18, 2012
- Our Readers' Opinions: Oct. 11. 2012
- Our readers' opinions: Sept. 20
