12/7 Letters: Duke Energy must address methane issues

No comment about fracked gas methane leakage by the Duke Energy spokesman in his letter “Duke Energy’s response,” which addressed criticism relating to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline – or by Duke Energy about methane at all at any time. Understandably, they would rather not discuss methane leakage at wells that would result from supplying the proposed gas line as much as they didn’t want to discuss expensive coal ash cleanup when proposing coal-fired plants.

Perhaps the Utilities Commission will finally begin to consider the environmental impact to the health and safety of the earth and her inhabitants when considering approval of proposals from utilities. It has been estimated that 10 percent of the methane taken from fracking wells is leaked into the atmosphere, and methane has been reported to be much more powerful a greenhouse gas than CO2. That reality should not be overlooked, and non-polluting forms of energy production should be favored and encouraged for obvious reasons.

Remembering Bob Spearman

Regarding “Lawyer who fought for NC education rights dies at 74” (Dec. 6): I was saddened to read about the passing of Bob Spearman, a pillar of North Carolina’s legal community and a devoted advocate for public education. Students across the state have benefited from his work on the Leandro case, which continues to shine a light on our state’s struggle to provide a sound education to all students.

It was deeply gracious of Mr. Spearman’s family to direct memorial contributions to the Carolina Covenant, a scholarship at UNC Chapel Hill that helps exactly those disadvantaged students he worked so hard to serve. It’s a fitting final gesture on behalf of a generous man, and we’re grateful. Here’s hoping many of our students follow in Bob’s footsteps.

No ‘perfect’ giving

“ ‘Giving Tuesday’ questioned” (Nov. 29) took me out of the giving spirit and left me with the impression that if I give for the “wrong” reason, then I must be a “leftist.” What reason is that? Obligation.

I agree that giving out of obligation is an imperfect reason, but I’m not sure of a perfect one. Joy, perhaps? In all my years of giving, I have yet to find a reason unburdened from obligatory feelings. Maybe it’s my religious upbringing. However, I’ve never let it stop me. We are not asked to be perfect givers, nor are we asked to donate to the perfect cause. However, in myriad ways and for myriad reasons, we are asked to give.

Across all the years of giving and for all the wrong reasons, I’ve found this to be true: The debt of gratitude after giving is far more obliging than the gift itself. If nothing else, the practice of giving – out of obligation, poverty or abundance – is one we all have the opportunity to practice. Whatever one’s political affiliation, I hope people practice it and receive the gift of thankfulness in return.

This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 10:31 AM with the headline "12/7 Letters: Duke Energy must address methane issues."