Sometimes, in the heat of advocating for a cause, things get overstated and distorted. This has been the case where some, alleging that it would improve the environment, have been pushing to stop the use of all natural gas in our state.

Just think what that would mean? The largest source of the energy now generating electricity in the state would be cut-off. The cleanest fossil fuel that we have would be shut down. And, if you live in a place like Western New York, you would have to find a new way to heat your home. In Albany, even the Capitol would go cold.

This anti-natural gas policy is nonsense. Not only is it bad public policy, it would devastate the state and cripple the electric grid if these policies were to be carried out.

I would characterize New York State as being duplicitous and two-faced on the issue. In the name of cleaning up the environment, we abolished the ability to explore and produce natural gas in the state. The DEC won’t give permits anymore to drill and explore for natural gas to allow for drilling in the shale, which is an immense resource in the state, especially in the Southern Tier.

On the other hand, our state, including counties downstate and the City of New York, continue to consume great quantities of natural gas. As the old saying goes: “We want to have our cake and eat it to,” though in this case it is natural gas we are talking about. Though we won’t produce it, we want others to do so and send it to us for our energy needs.

What keeps the lights on in New York City right now is that there are still some old natural gas peaking plants which get turned on, on very cold days or on hot summer days when the air-conditioning load is high and more electricity is required.

We could have more efficient peaking plants in New York City, but “No,” that would violate our state-imposed mandate to stop using natural gas. So, we keep using the old, less efficient gas turbine peaking plants. All in the name of cleaning up the environment.

Such policies are, of course, nuts…but, it happens, here in New York!

And, what about installing a natural gas generator so that you can have power in your house if the electrical grid does fail? I expect that the “deep thinkers” in Albany and New York will soon find a way to try and stop that as well.

The ultimate reality for me, of course, comes here at home. Our furnace and hot water are heated by natural gas. Gas is a much more efficient fuel in producing heat than electricity…but who cares about that?

Then there is the fact that a few years ago, we put in a small but very efficient natural gas stove. My back has gotten older and no longer wants to stoke a wood stove. But now, at least, I have the alternative of putting my feet up, putting the recliner back, pushing a button and then watching a beautiful blue flame heat the room and most of the house.

They are “barking up the wrong tree” when they start threatening to take natural gas away. More people are starting to understand that, though, I expect, it will take a few more elections and some energy interruptions before the situation ultimately gets turned around.

Someday, they may find a way to transport hydrogen or some other fuel safely to my home. But, in the meantime, I am sticking with the blue flame!

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.