Viewpoint/Commen​tary: UNNEEDED UNSAFE FRACKED GAS PIPELINE – Albany, NY

With the DEC Office of Climate Change, NASA and the National Weather Service showing proof that significant water/rain events, extreme weather and rising sea level are already occurring, we must understand that past methods such as building pipelines under rivers are no longer safe and would be subject to extreme natural stressors, the likes of which we can only guess.

Furthermore, the developer, National Grid (NG) states that the Albany Loop extension is needed to satisfy requests by new commercial and residential customers for natural gas hookups as well as meet increased demand from existing customers.  
I would argue that in accordance with NYS goals to secure an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, NG should not continue to be allowed to build out new gas infrastructure, but must instead look at alternative proposals in keeping with our collective emission goals.  They need to join the team!  

NG should be promoting an increase of alternative heating/cooling methods among its customers such as air source heat pumps and geothermal.  As an example, I participated in NYSERDA’s Hudson Valley Heat Pump Project and when my A/C unit stopped functioning, I installed three heat pumps in my house two years ago.  I have been amazed at the efficiency and comfort level of my heat pumps in both providing heating and cooling.  I am rarely using natural gas now and I plan to switch my water heater to an electric heat pump so I can turn my gas off entirely.

Most people I meet do not yet know about the viability and affordability of heat pumps.  I pay approximately the same or a little less than I used to for my heating needs; those using oil or propane currently would enjoy much greater savings.
I strongly suggest the DPS take a more proactive position in encouraging NG to abandon gas infrastructure build out projects, and instead encourage new and existing customers to switch to heat pumps and geothermal alternatives.