LETTER: B.C. leaders ignore the flaws of fracking at our peril
Published 7:30 am Friday, June 5, 2026
Editor,
The May 21st editorial from Black Press Media, titled ‘Going Green Saves Money,’ was an excellent article at a crucial time. In it, the author rightfully opposes the construction of any new gas-fired power plants.
The message would have been even stronger if not for the erroneous sentence, “It’s true that natural gas is cleaner than coal.” That statement is no longer valid. Any new production of gas is from wells that use hydraulic fracturing. As a result of that process, methane is released from underground. The most notable studies on the topic are those carried out at Cornell University in New York.
There are other problems associated with fracking: Besides methane, other gases including benzene, toluene, and hydrogen sulphide are released. Doctors in northeastern B.C. are reporting serious health problems.
Massive amounts of electrical energy are required if the gas is to be liquified for shipment.
Our politicians ignore all of these concerns in order to be seen as “taking action.” They simply have no better ideas!
Bill McConnell, Surrey