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DEP takes proper step
Dear Editor,
In a recent article in this paper, new rules for finding and repairing gas leaks in new and existing wells and infrastructure, along with ending venting and flaring of methane were recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection and Gov. Josh Shapiro. I strongly support these being implemented as quickly as possible, because of the health risks methane presents to the environment and the public.
Methane is the most powerful driver of climate change, as well as a contributor to cases of asthma, developmental issues, cancer, etc. 1.2 million residents in Pennsylvania live within 1/2 mile of a well, facing regular exposure. These risks mean that we need to capture as much leaking methane as possible during drilling, transport, and monitoring of pipelines, tanks, and compressors.
Spending a great deal of time in the National Forest, on the North Country Trail, and throughout the region, I have seen/smelled gas bubbles leaking up out of the reservoir bed, seen many recent drill sites, and many that were obviously abandoned long ago. Just the methane potential in this one region, not to mention other gas/oil sites across the state, definitely indicate that these rules are needed.
I encourage the DEP and the governor to move forward with these rules, and in fact, to strengthen them by ending loopholes that would exempt many oil/gas wells and require that identified leaks be stopped as quickly as possible. I do thank them for their leadership on this issue and hope to see further progress.
Sharon Rathi,
Meadville
Going against the flow
Dear Editor,
Finally, it's about time politicians stood up and spoke out. Republican David Maloney from Boyertown is proposing a bill to re-name Lake Erie, Lake Pennsylvania. This is an excellent idea and an idea long overdue.
We finally have the Gulf of America and now is the time for our local legislators to also stand up and speak out. Join the visionary ground swell and rename the Allegheny River, The Warren River. Why cling to a name from a long ago Indian tribe that does not live here?
Then we can focus on finishing The Wall. Our northern shore along Lake Pennsylvania and the sides of River Warren need walls. We need to block off the hordes of un-documented, illegal criminals who are over running us. According to reliable sources, they steal. They bring in dope. They rape our women. They are criminals, the worst of the worst.
Canada is cleaning out its prisons and mental hospitals and shipping them here. Damn you Canada. Damn you Mexico. This behavior will hinder our desire to annex you. We do not want unsavory, unappreciative, and more off-colored Americans. Your counter-tariffs may be the last straw. Don't push us too far. We may have to make a regime change and bomb the hell out of you.
And where is ICE? My visits to our local hospital have confirmed that the illegal, undesirable criminals have already seized control of our medical care center. They control local nail care shops and several local restaurants. Rumor has it that more foreigners are planning to seize control of the abandoned Perkins Restaurant.
Critics of the re-naming and wall building accuse us visionaries of distracting you from the leader's rebuilding our Capitol, the Jeffery Epstein files and $5 and $6 gasoline and diesel fuel and the decreasing affordability but no. Don't let the critics distract you. Keep your eyes on the important stuff.
Don Scott,
North Warren