Presidential debate

The debate between Joseph Robinette Biden and Donald John Trump will probably be the most watched since the Kennedy/Nixon presidential debate. The June 27 clash will have no audience and a moderator that can turn off the microphone when needed. I really enjoy watching drama, not living it.

Tony Meschini

Scituate

Oil and gas

The United States is now pumping more crude oil than ever in history.  In Forbes magazine, Robert Rapier quotes the just-released data from the Energy Information Administration or EIA.  In an earlier article he uses data from the 2023 Statistical Review of World Energy to show that the U.S. production of natural gas is also the highest in history – and the highest of any producer in the world.

It is perhaps not so surprising that Donald Trump’s promise to change the world by “drill, drill, drill” and Joe Biden’s to change it by “green, green, green” ring hollow.  But the geopolitical situation is incredible.  At the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Saudi Arabia demurred helping the EU out when they embargoed Russian natural gas.  Now they are crying that the world prices of oil and gas are too low and OPEC+ has drastically cut production to try to raise prices.

Clearly their beggar thy neighbor policy has not profited them.

Eugene Gobby

Somerville,

Fixing leaks

I read Chris Van Buskirk’s article (“Republican Senator blocks climate bill again over natural gas concerns,” June 21) with dismay.  As Senator Fattman and fellow Republicans argue for more time to scrutinize the climate bill, it’s clear their strategy aligns nicely with the US fossil fuel industry’s PR’s shift from climate denial to climate delay.

Massachusetts has one of the oldest natural gas systems in the country. As of September 2023, over 11,000 gas leaks were reported statewide, and by 2020, about 22% of the state’s gas pipes were deemed leak-prone. We need to fix the leaks first! These pipes are a safety and health hazard, leaking substantial methane, with gas customers bearing the cost. The bill being delayed included funding to fix this infrastructure, providing significant work for pipe-fitters.

Promoting prosperity to workers based on new fossil fuel infrastructure jobs is selling snake oil.  Blocking the bill under the guise of procedural review is morally and economically wrong unless the delay aims to ensure a more just transition. Good union jobs in sustainable, green industries are essential for all workers in fossil fuels, including pipe-fitters. Let’s pass the Climate Bill, and share the benefits of a green economy, while supporting those facing economic losses, both workers, and consumers.

Norah Dooley

Royalston