On Jan. 6, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 507. Within H.B. 507 lies an amendment that, in just a couple of sentences, redefines natural gas as green energy. Those few sentences could haunt Ohioans for years to come.
Traditionally, green energy refers to renewable energy sources such as water, wind or the sun. Natural gas, however, is a fossil fuel that will not replenish itself during our lifetime — thus, it’s a nonrenewable resource. Natural gas is often retrieved by fracking, a process that is notably harmful and risks groundwater contamination, pollution and earthquakes, to name a few. Additionally, the health problems the contaminants released by drilling sites can cause include, cancer, organ damage or silicosis, an incurable lung disease that is rampant near fracking sites. Natural gas is not environmentally friendly, and it is misleading and harmful to deem it otherwise.
Some assert that natural gas actually is green energy and this change has been long overdue. The argument in favor of this is it’s healthier for the environment than coal, we have enough of it to last us a while and it’s an efficient power source. However, none of that makes it green. Yes, natural gas is cleaner than coal, but methane, the main component of natural gas, still traps heat 25 times as much as carbon dioxide.
Meanwhile, climate change remains a pressing problem around the world. The ocean, which absorbs 90% of global warming, reached its warmest temperature last year, according to NASA. Not only that, but our current abundance of it means nothing. It’s true enough that we have plenty of natural gas now, but what about in 200 years? In 300 years? In 400? What about the land that will be destroyed for the purpose of extracting natural gas? Building an infrastructure based on the usage of natural gas only promises further disaster in the future.
So, what is the point of mislabeling natural gas as renewable? According to a statement made by Gov. DeWine, “the amendments in H.B. 507 do not fundamentally change the criteria and processes established by the Ohio General Assembly in 2011 that first established the policy of leasing mineral rights under state parks and lands.” If that’s true, why does it matter? By labeling natural gas as green energy, the doors for misinformation are opened. With natural gas legally defined as green energy by the state of Ohio, prepare for campaigns championing natural gas as the sustainable, clean source of energy that the country needs. At the same time, the sea levels will rise and the global temperature will get warmer.
Ohio needs green energy. Real green energy. Not a greenhouse gas repackaged and disguised as renewable. Ohio has to invest in sources like solar power, wind power and hydropower. It’s energy that we won’t run out of and will help us curb climate change. A carbon neutral world cannot be reached if the world is still grappling to hang onto fossil fuels. It is time, finally, for sustainability, and causing confusion about green energy is no way to get there.
Lillian Barry is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts? Let Lillian know by tweeting her at @lillianbarry_.
