Here is a link to another great article by Pam Zubeck, of the Colorado Springs Independent: Oil and water: Will they mix?
As with all her work, it is very comprehensive.
You’ll see that she talks about issues associated with natural gas production in Colorado, Wyoming, and specifically, in the El Paso County and Colorado Springs: I love that she included the geology associated with water; She certainly covers the environmental issues in a compelling way; She is doing the important journalistic work of questioning industry and it’s regulators; And she references the economic benefits of natural gas production to provide some balance.
At the risk of being obvious, I’d just like to add the following:
As I write this, my 40,000 btu, natural gas, forced air furnace just kicked on. Every time the thermostat calls for heat, natural gas shoots through the burner, is ignited by the pilot light in an impressive explosion of flame to warm the heat exchanger. Once the exchanger is hot, the electric blower motor switches on, forcing air across it to heat my family’s dwelling.
In addition, during our community's peak energy usage times, instead of coal, I’m sure that natural gas is being utilized to produce the electricity that is running the blower motor (my computer, coffee pot, microwave, and Christmas lights). Of course, this is happening at my neighbor’s house, and I’ll bet…Ms. Zubeck’s.
As a matter of fact, as I’m sure you know, some estimates say that demand in global natural gas markets alone (not including oil or coal) will increase over 47% in the next 25 years. Consequently, natural gas reserves will be developed. It is good that our press is helping to educate our citizens about issues surrounding our use of natural resources.
I really appreciate Pam Zubeck’s insightful work (If you haven’t read her article on un-funded retirement liabilities, it is one of the best I’ve read!) and know she will keep up the good work.
I think I’ll go and turn my thermostat down.
No comments:
Post a Comment