Energy Issues/Global Climate Change

Scientific findings document that the earth’s climate is being altered, that human activity is the likely cause and that continuing to emit greenhouse gases into earth’s atmosphere will bring many dangerous changes in the global climate system during the 21st century. Burning fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas) to produce energy for industry, buildings and transportation is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. Deep-water oil drilling, hydraulic fracturing for gas, mountain-top removal and underground mining for coal all pose hazards to the human community and the environment.

Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas

The public comment period for the proposed hydrofracking rules has been extended to January 11, 2012.

You can read more about the regulations at http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/75370.html and make comments online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/76838.html.

Comments can also be made by mail:
Attn: dSGEIS Comments, New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation,
625 Broadway,Albany, NY 12233-6510.
Please include your name and address.

Resources

Hydrofracking 101                                    

Diocesan Public Policy Testimony on Proposed Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations

New York State Catholic Conference Public Comments

"At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms, nor about partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God's creation and the one human family....about protecting both the human environment and the natural environment." (U.S. Catholic Bishops 2001)