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State Representative Jim Buchy
Low Gas Prices
Benefit Ohioans: Methane Mandates are Not the Answer
We have all noticed the drop in gas prices. While this will probably be
temporary, right now it is saving Ohioans a significant amount of
money. Ohioans now have access to increased discretionary
spending which will continue to grow the economy in the state. Policies
initiated by Governor Kasich and the legislature to increase energy
exploration in eastern Ohio have also helped to reduce our winter
heating fuel expenses.
Lower energy prices benefit the growth of small businesses. With
business owners paying less for energy, they can focus more on
expanding, and improving their business. This means there are more
opportunities for Ohioans to get jobs.
Even after an accident at the Husky Energy Refinery in Lima, the gas
markets did not drastically change. This shows the resiliency of our
energy sector here in Ohio. However, I believe that looming actions by
the federal government threaten our affordable energy prices.
I believe that Washington does not understand the importance of
promoting continued affordable energy. The current leadership
there has a history of being anti-fossil fuel, and recently White House
officials described a plan to increase the mandates on methane output
from the oil and gas industry. This is similar to the policies that are
debilitating the coal industry in the eastern part of our state.
The methane output by the oil and gas industry is part of the natural
cycle in the industry that allows it to be environmentally stable. When
the methane molecule breaks apart it creates the H2O molecule thus
replenishing the water supply used in the process for oil and gas
exploration. If the mandates on methane output are enacted, we may
actually see more harm done to the environment.
These mandates and policies threaten our current low energy
prices. If the price at the pump increases, Ohioans will see our
recent economic growth impeded. I will continue working in favor
of policies that keep the prices affordable for our citizens, and
create opportunities for Ohioans to get jobs.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this
month by completing an online survey at http://tinyurl.com/buchyfebruary2015
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