Natural gas has been called “a good transition step on the road toward low-carbon energy from wind, solar and nuclear power.” In practice, however, natural gas unnecessarily manifests as opposition to renewable energy. For example, a sufficiently supported Pennsylvania bill assisting solar industry did not come to vote because lobby groups, including those representing natural gas companies, opposed the bill.

Kerry Benninghoff exemplifies pairing support for natural gas with opposition to alternative energy. Benninghoff is known for supporting natural gas but did you know he voted against the clean Fuels and Energy Independence (HB 1202), the alternative Energy Incentives bill (HB 1202), and the Clean Energy Program (HB 1) and voted to take millions from Pennsylvania’s conservation programs to subsidize natural gas (Amendment (A6322)?

In response to my request for support for solar power, Benninghoff said he would support solar if it made business sense. Yet, solar makes obvious business sense. The Chinese government knows this. From 2011 to 2015, they plan to invest $473 billion in clean energy (Forbes). Closer to home, New Jersey is second only to California in installing solar because that state supports for this industry.

Tellingly, Benninghoff’s response made no consideration of what is best for the environment and future generations. Indeed his voting record reveals lack of concern (for example, he voted against support for a recycling program for electronic materials, HB 708).

Unlike Benninghoff, Chris Lee has noted that one of his priorities is to protect our environment and quality of life in Pennsylvania.

Janet Swim Boalsburg