from CHIP NORTHRUP

For Now, Gas Necessary, But

Before Long, Goodnight Irene

To the Editor:

Have followed the local fossil fuel v. renewables debate from afar and would like to suggest that there may be more compatibility between the two that either side is willing to admit.

What the fossil-fuel junkies fail to understand is that the source of that gas is literally the bottom of the hydrocarbon barrel, the source rock. When it taps out, it’s Goodnight Irene. Wish your grandkids good luck in all their future endeavors.

Because of its environmental impacts and limited life expectancy, gas should never be used as a primary source of energy – it should be kept for peaking uses – when the wind don’t blow and the sun don’t shine.

What the renewable fans may not appreciate is that using natural gas is a viable way to generate heat or electricity to supplement renewable sources. So they are complementary and should be used and discussed as such.

We will be coming back to town soon and we’d really appreciate it if you would get this rancorous matter sorted out so that we can all get on to another rancorous debate. Won’t that be jolly ?

CHIP NORTHRUP

Cooperstown