Fellow Sierran:

My name is Ross Gould. I am a representative from the Atlantic Chapter's Natural Gas Task Force and I have been asked to contact chapter leaders on this important issue. I am reaching out to you because the national club is suggesting a major change in Sierra Club’s 2006 Energy Resources Policy and to implement a new Sierra Club policy regarding unconventional sources of natural gas, namely “deep shale gas” as a transitional fuel. The conclusion, that “gas from shales and tight sandstones is an acceptable transitional fuel if produced using best practices to limit environmental damage” represents a major shift in policy from the Sierra Club’s 2006Energy Resources Policy where “new onshore natural gas” was specifically categorized as “resources opposed by the Sierra Club.” The previous policy only condoned the use of natural gas from existing fields as an acceptable transitional fuel.

The Club's proposed policy can be found at: http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/conservation/policy/unconventional-natural-gas.aspx

The comment period on this proposed policy ends on October 10, 2009.

The Atlantic Chapter takes this change seriously, as the rush to produce in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations threatens to transform as much as a third of New York State into a grid work of pipelines and well pads. We have yet to see evidence that this type of extraction can be executed in a manner that is sufficiently protective of our air, water, and remaining wild places. In the past year the chapter has successfully campaigned against the expansion of natural gas extraction resulting in the State mandated environmental review the process, which has also served as a de facto moratorium for new well permits since July of 2008. We are concerned that this change in national Sierra Club policy will undermine our credibility with grass roots activists through out the state who do not share the sentiment that their water, air and landscape should be sacrificed for the advancement of a transitional fuel.

Our Chapter is against this proposed policy change. We are reaching out to other chapters around the country to get a feel for their position. I have attached a copy of our Chapter's recent resolution relating to Shale Gas drilling. I have also attached an article from Scientific American which outlines water pollution and other threats related to drilling for natural gas. We look forward to your response, your comments and discovering your chapter's position on this significant policy change.

Please note that the comment period on this proposed serious policy change ends on October 10, 2009. We are reaching out to ask for your support in our proposed policy and for your chapter to submit comments opposing this significant change in policy.

Thank you,