Recent discussions in our community regarding energy infrastructure, particularly the proposed Constitution Pipeline, have highlighted the need for an honest, fact-based conversation about our energy future.

As a Honesdale, PA-based environmental nonprofit, Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support (SEEDS) believes that a prosperous and resilient future for Pennsylvania relies on informed decisions based on science and economics, not on outdated myths.  

While we understand the desire for a stable energy supply, it's crucial that we separate fact from fiction.  

One of the most common misconceptions is the claim that “renewables cannot provide on-demand power.” This belief ignores rapid advancements in energy technology. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that in 2025, solar and battery storage are set to account for 81 percent of new utility-scale generation capacity [1]. This is not a coincidence; it reflects both favorable economics and grid operators’ ability to successfully integrate clean energy sources nationwide. Solar facilities are increasingly being paired with large-capacity battery storage, allowing them to capture and store energy during the day for use during peak demand hours, even after the sun goes down. In fact, about half of new solar capacity in 2025 will be paired with battery storage [1]. 

Furthermore, solar projects already in development can be deployed in a matter of months, a significantly shorter timeframe than the five-plus years it takes to build a new natural gas plant.  

Another misnomer is that locally sourced natural gas is the “cleanest burning fossil fuel on earth” and is “40 percent cleaner than Russia-sourced natural gas.” This is a deeply deceptive statement that is not supported by basic chemistry. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the carbon dioxide CO2)  pollution  “emissions factor” from burning a cubic foot of natural gas is virtually the same, regardless of where that gas originates  [2]. 

While natural gas emits less CO2 than coal, it is still a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change. Beyond emissions, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has documented significant health risks associated with natural gas operations, including air pollutants and chemical additives in fracking fluid that can contaminate local air and water supplies and worsen respiratory conditions like asthma [3]. Protecting the health of our communities is a non-negotiable part of a responsible energy policy.  

Another claim suggests that renewables cannot keep pace with the energy demands of a growing population, electric vehicles (EVs) and new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers. On the contrary, solar, wind and storage are the fastest-growing sources of energy globally and are on track to be the world's predominant electricity sources by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) [4, 5]. 

This exponential growth is not only meeting demand but is also driving down costs. In the U.S., smart policies such as time of use pricing are being implemented in many cities to empower consumers to take control of their energy costs while ensuring existing grid capacity is sufficient [6]. For example, EV owners can charge their vehicles during off-peak hours at a lower rate, which saves them money and helps balance the grid by shifting demand away from peak times.  

The individuals and organizations working to advance sustainable energy solutions in Northeast PA are deeply invested in the well-being of our communities. We are informed by science, data and the lived experiences of our neighbors. We believe that true community defense lies in protecting our local environment, creating long-term economic opportunity and fostering a healthy future for our children. Renewable energy brings good local jobs, from installation and maintenance to manufacturing. Part of the reason it’s growing so fast is that solar offers landowners a strong return-on-investment to profit from their land, with minimal downside risk.   

The energy decisions we make today will shape our community for generations. The path forward is not a return to the past, but a thoughtful transition to a clean energy economy. Let's move beyond misinformation and work together to build a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous Pennsylvania.  

Sources  

U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2025).  “Solar and battery storage to lead new generation in 2025.” www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=64586 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  “Emission Factors for Greenhouse Gas Inventories.” www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-01/ghg-emission-factors-hub-2025.pdf

Pennsylvania Department of Health & University of Pittsburgh. (2023).  “Studies Reveal Health Impacts from Fracking in Pennsylvania.” www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/environmental-health/oilgas#accordion-b14cb09678-item-aaf3645e58

International Energy Agency. (2024).  “Renewables 2024.”  www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2024

Rocky Mountain Institute. (2023).  “Solar and Wind Power to Supply a Third of Global Power by 2030.” rmi.org/press-release/renewable-energy-deployment-puts-global-power-system-on-track-for-ambitious-net-zero-pathway/#:~:text=By%202030%2C%20solar%20and%20wind,higher%20compared%20with%202022%20levels.

Fresh Energy.  “Time-of-Use Rates.”  fresh-energy.org/whats-up-with-time-of-use-rates

Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support (SEEDS) promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable living in our communities.