The importance of clean air

In the Post-Gazette’s opinion piece, (July 18, “Other Voices: Plugging abandoned wells”) the authors argue reducing methane emissions is critical to combating climate change and noted the negative impacts of these emissions on residents.

Since the emergence of COVID-19, the importance of clean air rules for families has never been clearer. Yet, regardless of our vulnerable populations, Pennsylvania continues to be the third-largest greenhouse gas polluting state in the nation.

As an incoming college freshman, I am thinking about the future. But unlike past generations, I’m not thinking about the job I want to have. Instead, I am worried about what happens when climate change becomes irreversible. I grow concerned about the 1.1 million tons of methane emitted in Pennsylvania annually that warm the earth faster than ever.

We don’t deserve to be more at risk because we live in Pennsylvania. With a well pad within two miles of my middle school, simply by being a kid and going to school here, I’ve been at risk for exposure to this industry’s pollution, which can lead to respiratory diseases, asthma attacks and neurological problems.

We did not ask for fracking to come to our community but will suffer its health and safety risks for years to come.

Consequently, Gov. Tom Wolf must close the loopholes for low-producing wells in his proposed methane pollution regulations. We have a real opportunity to protect the health of our children and all Pennsylvanians, giving youth, like me, a chance at a real future.

SUPARNA AGRAWAL

O’Hara Township