Scientists' group: Pa. at risk of overreliance on gas for electricity generation
The Union of Concerned Scientists on Tuesday sounded a cautionary note about the shale-gas boom, citing Pennsylvania as one of the states most at risk of becoming overly reliant on gas as a fuel source for electrical power.
The Union of Concerned Scientists on Tuesday sounded a cautionary note about the shale-gas boom, citing Pennsylvania as one of the states most at risk of becoming overly reliant on gas as a fuel source for electrical power.
Although 24 percent of Pennsylvania's power comes from natural gas - a smaller share than coal - the advocacy group said the state had experienced above-average growth in gas-fired generation since 2008.
It also said that 97 percent of Pennsylvania power plants under construction rely on gas. An overreliance on one fuel can expose investors and consumers to price shocks in the event of market volatility, the organization said.
Pennsylvania, as a major exporter of electricity to surrounding states, also faces higher risk because it generates more greenhouse gases than most states, the report said.
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