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Voice of the Free Press: Go forward with natural gas pipeline

Natural gas is one of a few solutions to Vermont’s long-term energy needs. Not perfect, Natural gas is a fossil fuel that releases greenhouse gasses when burned, adding to the state’s carbon footprint and contributing to climate change.

Voice of the Free Press: Go forward with natural gas pipeline

A natural gas pipeline along the state’s western corridor would extend both economic relief and more opportunities through Addison County down to the Rutland area.

Building the pipeline would bring to the people and businesses of that region the option of a cleaner and more cost effective energy alternative than fuel oil.

This is no developing energy source that holds the promise of cleaner, cheaper power sometime in the future. This is a proven technology, in everyday use around the country.

So far, the benefits of natural gas has been largely confined to the northwestern corner of Vermont.

The Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project would extend the fuel’s reach down to the state’s second most populous region, aiding households and employers.

Natural gas is one of a few solutions to Vermont’s long-term energy needs. Not perfect, natural gas is a fossil fuel that releases greenhouse gasses when burned, adding to the state’s carbon footprint and contributing to climate change.

In addition, the concerns of property owners, through whose land the gas pipeline must pass, must be taken seriously.

Many people also have serious concerns about the environmental impact of extracting the gas from the ground.

A major controversy centers around hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” which involves injecting water mixed with various chemicals under high pressure underground to force out gas embedded in rock formations.

The reality is, every energy option — even renewables — requires a trade-off.

Large-scale wind projects have stirred up controversy about carving up the state’s ridgelines. Solar farms are often built on open land. Smaller scale renewable options often are available only to those who can afford them.

But taking advantage of an available source of cheaper and cleaner fuel is a reasonable and pragmatic bridge to a renewable energy future.

Those who fear natural gas would serve as a disincentive for finding greener alternatives lack sufficient faith in this state’s commitment to renewable energy.

Foregoing existing alternatives in favor of a purist approach would mean inflicting unnecessary hardship on those Vermonters who can least afford to bear the burden.

What a tiny state does may have little, if any, impact on global markets and overall climate change, but setting an example can have an impact far beyond Vermont’s size.

Vermont must continue its drive to wean the state from fossil fuels, especially the dirtiest varieties imported from politically unstable regions of the world.

Natural gas is not the final answer, but a reasonable and economical bridge to help Vermont get to a renewable future.

Join the conversation. Comment online at BurlingtonFreePress.com or send a letter to the editor to letters@burlingtonfreepress.com. Contact Aki Soga at asoga@burlingtonfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @asoga.