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Boston Cochrane is a senior at Thornton Academy and the communications director for Maine Youth Action, a nonprofit organization focused on getting youth involved in advocacy.
The state Legislature is currently considering LD 2077, a bill that would determine the future of natural gas. In its state of consideration, a crucial question is posed: should we put a pause on natural gas expansion? Here’s a case for why we should:
First, observe the unnecessary cost burdens associated with natural gas expansion. Heat pumps, a heating solution that runs on electricity, are comparatively more affordable than natural gas heating. This is due to higher efficiencies over their lifespans compared to natural gas; in fact, heat pumps are roughly three times more efficient. Considering Maine is a national leader in heat pump installation (currently 115,000 installed since 2019), and the government provides significant rebates for consumers, natural gas no longer is the affordable and practical choice it once was.
Therefore, expanding natural gas pipeline infrastructure is unnecessary for our state. Furthermore, does it not seem ideal to invest in heating solutions that are more cost effective than their counterparts? As Mainers face higher costs of living, especially with respect to energy and heating, it would be prudent to adopt the most efficient system that delivers vital cost reductions.
Second, we must also consider the climate and human health consequences associated with natural gas expansion. The state of Maine is legally bound to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent, by the year 2050. This means the state needs to use methods to heat and power our homes that are truly renewable and low emitters of carbon. This is not solely natural gas. Not only does the burning of natural gas release carbon dioxide, but the use of it in homes can result in the leakage of methane, another greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Both of these gas emissions caused by the use of natural gas contribute to global climate change.
And with respect to human health concerns, the leaking of gas in homes can lead to respiratory conditions for residents, such as coughing, trouble breathing, and asthma, which in some cases results in hospitalization. Although hood ventilation systems can reduce the presence of these gasses when using a gas stove, studies show they are used when cooking only about 25 to 40 percent of the time.
Respecting our climate goals means the state must take careful consideration of the whole range of heating sources available. After all, potential expansions of natural gas pipeline infrastructure would last approximately 50 years, exceeding many of our current deadlines for emissions reductions. Within these considerations, I believe it would be nothing more than short-sighted to expand natural gas without a thorough review of the financial and climate implications, which are foreseeably too great for Mainers.
Before expanding natural gas infrastructure, we need to pause and evaluate whether it will fit in with Maine’s future. As a young Mainer, it is crucial to me that my state holds itself to its climate goals with integrity. Given that natural gas heating may not align with our climate goals, I think it is only sensible to pause its expansion and instead expand alternative heating sources, such as heat pumps, that are more sustainable and affordable for Mainers. Pragmatic policy making is crucial around affordable heating and climate concerns; therefore, it is not a radical decision to pause natural gas expansion and reconsider its future, but a sensible and necessary one.
