Interfaith group says it opposes Marcellus Shale wells as too risky
Share with others:
A statewide interfaith organization has introduced questions of morality and climate change into the debate about Marcellus Shale gas well development.
Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light today will issue a four-page "ethical analysis" that declares its opposition to development of the deep and massive shale gas play because it is not part of a strategy to end fossil fuel use, creates too many environmental and health risks, and perpetuates the "boom and bust" cycles of other, earlier extractive industries in the state.
"We believe there could be ethical ways to drill, but we're not there yet," said Rabbi Daniel Swartz, of Temple Hesed in Scranton and vice president and board member of the interfaith group. "We have questions about how Marcellus drilling fits into a general energy strategy and how it impacts communities in the state that have been subject to repeated booms and busts from the oil, coal and timber industries.
"We also need to figure out if we are setting ourselves up for problems down the road or setting ourselves up for something more sustainable," he said. "One of the biggest direct long-term impacts of this drilling is whether it's going to be contributing to climate change."
The organization's analysis also calls on all Pennsylvania elected officials to stop accepting political contributions from companies involved in the exploration, drilling, production, transportation and sale of Marcellus Shale natural gas. And it urges all congregations and faith-based institutions to reduce their energy use and refrain from entering into leases for Marcellus Shale gas development on their properties.
"Right now the state is making drilling and development decisions that will impact Pennsylvania for years to come, and Pennsylvanians need to know that their voices will be heard and that policy will not be governed by who is spending the most money," Rabbi Swartz said.
In discussing the organization's request that all faith-based organizations reduce their use of energy, much of which comes from burning coal, he said that such groups "need to answer to a higher authority and lead by example."
First Published September 18, 2011 12:00 am
