Dear Shale Protestor,

Once the cameras stopped, the real action began in the public fracking debate I participated in between industry representatives and Cornell faculty held November 15th on campus. 

During the debate, industry representatives aimed a fusillade of shots at Bob Howarth, Rene Santoro and Tony Ingraffea’s paper claiming that unconventional natural gas development causes more greenhouse gas emissions than coal.  Criticism ranged from the general, like no paper written since supports them, to the specific, like a pumper (production field hand) driving up to a well venting such large amounts of methane would have to have a death wish. 

Howarth defended the work.  He doubled down saying that his new findings will show plumes of methane coming off natural gas fields, which have been aerially photographed by both Purdue and Cornell Universities.  He also shot back with some wicked humor snidely insinuating that anyone who disagrees has “methane coming out of more places than we know.” 

After the debate, everyone shook hands in a show of sportsmanship.  Panelists on either side continued talking in pairs and small groups.  I thought Howarth would drop the disdain and engage the criticism showing intellectual curiosity worthy of a professor.  

He did just the opposite.

When I asked whether he would work with an industry advisory committee, he replied that he didn’t need one.   When I asked about including a petroleum engineer among his co-authors, he replied that he already had one, Tony Ingraffea. When I asked if and when he was going to retract his paper, he went into a tirade about how he had spent his life doing real science unlike industry hacks like me. 

Each question caused him to get more agitated, drawing closer and closer.  By the time it was over, he was standing so close to me that I felt personally threatened.   

So why would a tenured professor at an Ivy League institution stoop to name calling and physical intimidation?  Is this education?  Or is it indoctrination?

By the way, if any graduate student reads this and recognizes themself in my shoes, go file a harassment complaint as fast as you can! 

Till Next Time,

Energy Mom

New York City