In defense of the West’s natural gas industry
Re: “Removing the green cloak from natural gas,” Nov. 3 guest commentary.
Patagonia CEO Casey Sheahan’s guest commentary attacking our industry was an effort to frighten the public about natural gas development. Sheahan should consider these facts before denouncing natural gas companies:
• Protesting the cleanest fossil fuel is contrary to a “renewable energy economy today.” Wind and solar energy are possible because natural gas fills in when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining.
• Sheahan’s claims regarding fracking are designed to scare the public. We could list chemicals used in Patagonia’s clothing, and their scary-sounding potential health effects. We know, however, that in clothing manufacturing, as in fracking, harmful quantities of chemicals do not come in contact with the public.
• Fracking, which is essential to natural gas development, is well-tested, with no documented cases of contamination to water.
We hope Patagonia will stop denouncing energy sources that are vital to its business and the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Westerners.
Tim Wigley, Denver
The writer is president of the Western Energy Alliance.
This letter was published in the Nov. 15 edition.