Letter to Editor, New York Times, Washington Post, Forturen, The Hill, Boston Globe: Scientific Shortcomings in Stanford Gas Stove Study

Dear Editor,

A few weeks ago, your newspaper published a story citing a recent study which claims that gas stoves leak methane even when turned off.

I wanted to acknowledge that fugitive methane serves no one’s interests. Because of its significant scientific shortcomings, the study shouldn’t either. It certainly does not invigorate productive conversation and instead fortifies already entrenched positions.

The study is of 53 stoves, yet the conclusions are generalized to millions. The study is not done under real-world conditions yet draws alarming world-changing conclusions and implies unfounded health risks. The study ignores other possible sources of methane in the stove areas and does not include any countervailing research.  

My organization, the Propane Education & Research Council, is a nonprofit governed by propane producers and distributors across the U.S. Our members are concerned that this type of reporting fails to acknowledge the multiple solutions available for achieving decarbonization.

Would you please join me in a discussion on this issue and how best to address climate change? I would welcome the opportunity to have a dialogue with you.

Sincerely,

Tucker Perkins, CEO

Propane Education & Research Council