Low natural gas prices hurt Pennsylvania’s energy sector more than fracking debates

Natural gas prices in southwestern Pennsylvania have plummeted, hurting local businesses and farms, while debates over fracking continue in political campaigns.

Rebecca F. Elliott reports for The New York Times

In short:

Natural gas prices in southwestern Pennsylvania have dropped 80% over the past two years, leading to job losses and stalled drilling.
Farmers like Brian Hrutkay, who rely on gas royalties, face financial difficulties as companies delay infrastructure projects to transport gas.
The political debate over fracking has overshadowed the pressing issue of how to raise gas prices and boost local economies.

Key quote:

“We don’t have the infrastructure to move enough gas away. It's frustrating to me.”

— Brian Hrutkay, Pennsylvania farmer

Why this matters:

Natural gas prices significantly affect local economies in Pennsylvania. Without improved infrastructure, low prices will continue hurting farmers and energy workers who rely on gas production for income.

Be sure to read: Fractured: Buffered from fracking but still battling pollution

www.nytimes.com

A closeup of a tailpipe with smoke coming out of it

Credit: leaf/Big Stock Photo

Michigan health professionals say EPA Endangerment Finding repeal is a major hit to public health and climate action

The Environmental Protection Agency is overlooking the wide range of negative economic effects of allowing greenhouse gas emissions to run rampant, which directly hurt human health as a result of tailpipe pollution and contribute to more extreme weather events as the planet heats up.

Read the Full Article on

www.michigancca.com

Credit: Troy Mortier/Unsplash

Singapore ups flying costs to fund sustainable aviation fuel

Singapore is piloting the world’s first sustainable aviation fuel levy. It will slightly raise prices for airline passengers and cargo carriers flying to and from the city-state of 6 million people, home to Southeast Asia’s busiest airport.

Read the Full Article on

apnews.com

Low natural gas prices hurt Pennsylvania’s energy sector more than fracking debates

The climate impact of AI in healthcare

Michigan health professionals say EPA Endangerment Finding repeal is a major hit to public health and climate action

Retired EV batteries scored a new gig: bolstering Texas’ grid

With court relief, work resumes on Virginia offshore wind

Singapore ups flying costs to fund sustainable aviation fuel

Opinion: Federal climate rollback raises new risks for Wisconsin’s energy future

Trump’s coal revival keeps Michigan plant open at high cost to residents

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.