Fracking is why Pennsylvania is now America’s second-greatest producer of natural gas, behind Texas. But much of Pennsylvania’s natural gas can’t get to where it’s needed most. In New York’s case, the third-largest source of energy for electric generation and home heating is fuel oil, with natural gas and nuclear power providing the bulk of the state’s energy needs. While New York was 5th in natural gas consumption in the U.S., more than a third of the state’s electricity-generating capacity can switch between gas and fuel oil as needed—but fuel oil produces 38% more carbon dioxide than natural gas and generates more pollution, as well. Compounding New York’s natural gas shortage is a state ban on fracking, which essentially places the Empire State’s portion of the vast Marcellus shale formation off limits to economic activity.

Source: Forbes May 06, 2019 21:00 UTC