Tell President Obama: Natural Gas is not the answer!

Forget Fracking, Remember Renewables

When President Obama gave natural gas top billing in his State of the Union address, saying he would “take every possible action to safely develop” domestic natural gas drilling, many of us were disheartened. It's time to tell President Obama and Congress that the hype about natural gas just does not stand up to the facts.

Natural gas is no bridge to sustainability; it is a bridge to climate disaster, devastated communities, and nightmarish public health consequences that could last for generations. Since President Obama’s speech, the anti-fracking community nationwide has united to send a clear message: America needs a renewable energy economy, not dirty fossil fuel industries like fracking.

The assertion that natural gas is a path to energy independence is just plain false. A recent Department of Energy report slashed U.S. domestic gas estimates by 42 percent—less than 20 years worth of gas at current rates of consumption. On top of that, it would cost some $700 billion to switch from coal to natural gas. Just imagine if that money were invested in renewables.

Join us in telling President Obama and Congress that fracking will endanger America's health, accelerate climate change, and cripple our economy.

Subject:

Your Letter:

Like many Americans, I was disheartened to hear natural gas receive top billing in the State of the Union address. Natural gas is not a bridge to sustainability. It's a false solution. A recent Department of Energy report slashed U.S. domestic gas estimates by 42 percent—less than 20 years worth of gas at current rates of consumption. We need to invest in renewables to power our economy forward.

As much of the available natural gas in the country would be destined for export to Latin America, Europe, and Asia, which means that America wouldn't even see energy benefits from the drilling boom. According to the Energy Information Administration, exporting natural gas would actually cause domestic prices to surge by up to 54 percent.
 
The only path to energy independence is investment in renewable energy. It would cost $700 billion to switch from coal to gas. Just imagine what would happen if we invested that money in wind and solar power instead. We deserve a sustainable economy, healthy communities, and smart economic investments by our leaders.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

Phone:(202) 456-1111

Fax:(202) 456-2461