I am Constance Gadell-Newton and I am running for governor of Ohio this November on a strong environmental and social justice platform. My call for a moratorium on unconventional natural gas extraction (fracking) and injection wells, and a rapid transition to 100% renewable power generation is in sharp contrast to my opponents. At the present time, natural gas is a major energy source in Ohio and as such the existing pipeline infrastructure has to be monitored for safety. However, today high pressure gas pipelines are being constructed across the State of Ohio without adequate environmental or public safety review, creating an unacceptable security risk and harming neighborhoods and ecologically sensitive areas across the State. This massive expansion of an unregulated fossil fuel infrastructure is not what we need; not at this time when accelerating climate change warrants sharp reductions in atmospheric carbon, and when manufacturing and construction of renewable power sources, including solar and wind, presents an attractive investment opportunity in the public and private sectors alike. I am against new natural gas lines being built unless their need and safety is established through comprehensive environmental review and broad-based citizen input. The proposed Duke high pressure gas line as described by NOPE would jeopardize the health and safety of local residents and should not be approved. The mere chance of an explosion with a high pressure gas line in a densely populated is intolerable. We must therefore explore other less hazardous and intrusive solutions to the problem of proper gas pressure and capacity. I have gone on the record as a strong advocate for community rights with regards to the safety of air, water, and soil. I support responsible local legislation that would regulate human safety and zoning in environmental concerns. If NOPE has any follow-up questions please e-mail. I would be proud to be listed under your section of elected officials that oppose Duke Energy’s Central Corridor Pipeline Project.