As New York state begins to look at another winter heating season, it is timely to take a look at recent developments for natural gas, the primary home heating fuel consumed in the state – 56 percent of all homes are heated with natural gas. Recent headlines have been positive relative to the production and use of natural gas.

“Nationwide, electricity generation from coal falls, while natural gas rises.” Statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show natural gas now fires 35 percent of all electricity production outpacing coal and thus substantially reducing carbon emissions.

“New Study finds fracking has not contaminated drinking water.” Conclusions of a Duke University environmental study. The Environmental Protection Agency also says that hydraulic fracturing “does not harm public health and the environment.”

“Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania sign Tri-State Agreement to develop Utica and Marcellus shale gas.” A Washington Post report notes these three states now call themselves “an emerging world-class energy center,” and they intend to work together in marketing efforts, workforce development, investment strategies and academic research as they capitalize on Utica and Marcellus shale development “in an environmentally sound manner.”

“Energy Department predicts lower winter fuel bills.” EIA expects natural gas prices to be down 10 percent from last winter because of a surplus of gas brought on by developing new sources of natural gas in shale drilling.

“New York State is the fourth largest consuming state for natural gas and the largest in the Northeast. According to the EIA, 1.27 trillion cubic feet was consumed in 2013 in New York and the demand is growing. New York State only produces enough natural gas to provide for about 6 days of needed annual supply. Thus, it imports virtually all of its gas from other states and most of this is “fracked” gas coming from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

As we in the Empire State head toward another winter heating season, we might ask ourselves where we would be if our own state’s policy banning the drilling of shale gas wells had been adopted across the country. Where would we purchase the natural gas that we now consume? What would it cost? As one New Yorker, I am pleased that our neighboring states continue to support natural gas development so that we can stay warm in the winter!

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident and former owner of a New York-based natural gas exploration and production company. He served as a Democrat in the New York State Assembly from 1975-1982.