Possible conflict

In his Nov. 13 letter “No ethics problem,” George A. Howard, vice-chair of the state Mining and Energy Commission, failed to disclose a key factor in arguing that Ray Covington doesn’t have a conflict of interest regarding his position on the commission creating fracking rules. Namely, that Covington was appointed to one of the few “conservation” seats on the board. And not only does he own land that is likely rich in shale gas deposits, but he also owns a company (NC Oil and Gas) whose profits are derived from expanded gas exploration. If these two factors don’t at least raise the question of conflict, I don’t know what would.

David Rogers

Durham