… Continue Reading“It is true some companies have harmed the environment by pursuing careless drilling and waste disposal practices. Nevertheless, many accounts of the negative impacts of fracking have been exaggerated. The EPA, in its recent assessment of the impact of fracking on drinking water, did not find evidence of widespread, systemic effects of fracking on water resources.”
“Evidence supports the assertion that disposal of wastewater and other fluids associated with fracking has caused some earthquakes. But these earthquakes have been comparatively mild and caused little or no damage.”
“Because of fracking, the future looks bright for northern and western Pennsylvania. Not only does fracking employ people directly and result in lower natural gas prices, but it also contributes to the growth of other industries that use or process natural gas.”
“A better solution would see pipeline companies negotiate with landowners privately to access their property and come to terms on compensation. While some might argue this will slow down pipeline production, given the recent difficulties the industry has faced getting ‘stakeholder’ and government approval, I am confident private negotiations that respect property rights are ultimately more practical for industry.”
Yes, you can support energy transport and keep your property rights, too.
Affordable, reliable energy has been one of the greatest liberating forces in human history. Oil and other fossil fuels have made life immeasurably better for much of mankind. We live longer and enjoy greater prosperity because of oil and those who drill it, ship it and refine it.
Despite this, when I was asked at an all candidates debate while running for office in Fort McMurray representing the Libertarian Party of Canada whether I was “pro-pipelines or anti-pipelines,” I wasn’t able to provide a definitive answer.…
Continue Reading“In the green state of Vermont, a 28-turbine mega-wind project is being vehemently opposed by some board members and citizens in the towns of Windham and Grafton, concerned that the power station would affect property values and the environment.”
“When I stopped in Somerset [Vermont] a few days ago, the turbine blades did not seem to move at all. An educational display was still posted outside the turnpike service plaza, with all the potential savings for the Earth from harnessing wind power. No mention of the huge costs associated with such a pie-in-the-sky watermelon dream.”
I saw the once-verdant wheat fields of Eastern Europe covered with ugly wind turbines, slowly spinning their huge blades into the wind. A few funnel dust swirls were blowing the topsoil into the air. They did not appear to be connected to any storage station that would distribute the electrical power generated.…
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