Gov. Tom Corbett, R-Penn., was just another governor proposing massive state cuts at the height of the federal budget debate in March. His proposal was unorthodox, calling for cuts to universities that, for some, would amount to 50 percent, but amidst the chaos, Corbett couldn’t have surprised many. But now that he has suggested colleges let natural energy companies drill for gas on their grounds to offset budget problems, it is safe to say that Corbett is a deluded diamond in the rough.
The governor proposed this plan at the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania on April 28 and assured the Pennsylvania Board of Trustees he would work with Rep. Matt Baker to “find a safe way for the state schools to harvest the benefits of these mineral rights,” adding “We need to think different. We need to act differently.” While the latter is true, thinking differently need not necessarily entail wreaking havoc on college campuses all under the façade of financial responsibility.
While the term “natural gas” has positive connotations, its effects can be hazardous both to the environment and locals. It should be approached with trepidation, not flippantly. Josh Fox, a Pennsylvania resident who was offered money by a natural gas company in exchange for his land, made a documentary in 2010 that highlighted worrisome aspects of hydraulic fracturing – water contamination and pollution to the point that a ground-level ozone layer is created. College students should not even be subjected to the possibility that the air they are walking around in is poisonous, a no-brainer for most people, and even if all safety measures are taken, there is no guarantee against these hazards.
While gas is one of the country’s most coveted resources, adopting the “drill, baby, drill” philosophy only leaves more for now and less for later. The solution to a recession isn’t a quick fix, especially if the fix involves destroying college areas. A more practical idea would be to tax gas extracted from Pennsylvania deposits, which Corbett has staunchly opposed. Perhaps his hesitancy comes as a result of the many campaign contributions he has received from benefactors of the gas drilling industry. Regardless, if there is anyone to look to for help in this situation, it is the colleges themselves. Even if the money is tempting, there should be no compromise on student safety, especially if the source of the compromise is a biased governor.
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