Many good reasons for opposing death penalty Re: “Death penalty is punishment, not deterrent,” Feb. 14
Gregory Kane argues for keeping the death penalty in Maryland, but fails to mention a 2009 Maryland study that found inherent biases when the races of defendants and victims were considered, concluding that they cannot be “rectified through procedural guidelines”.
The death penalty cost Maryland taxpayers $186 million, according to a 2008 study. Repeal would free up this money to aid survivors of murder victims and eliminate the risk of executing the innocent.
The death penalty also creates a long, agonizing process for families of murder victims. Life without parole offers them a faster chance to gain closure.
Kevin Scruggs
Wheaton
Newfound abundance of natural gas is game changer
Re: “Energy poverty’s strange bedfellows,” Feb. 14
Steven Hayward misstates the role natural gas can play in Texas and elsewhere.
The Energy Information Administration recently adjusted its 25-year natural gas production estimates upward and its price predictions downward. The Congressional Research Service has observed that many clean new natural gas plants that could be used for base load power are now being used as “peaking units,” operating on standby 42 percent of the time. What’s more, EIA estimates that when both capital and operating costs are considered, electricity from natural gas plants opening in 2016 will be cheaper than coal.
The Lone Star State imports nearly two-thirds of its coal at an annual cost of almost $2 billion. That makes no sense since Texas is endowed with huge shale gas reserves. The shale gas revolution has changed the energy equation, and this newfound abundance will translate into long-term price and market stability, ensuring Texas’ — and America’s — energy security.
Bernard L. Weinstein
Associate director, Maguire Energy Institute
Cox School of Business/Southern Methodist University
Dallas
Examine investigative tactics in the courtroom
Re: “MD Natural Resources Police using big brother tactics,” Local Opinion Zone, Feb. 7
Recent public statements by lawmakers and the media falsely imply that the Maryland Natural Resources Police may have acted improperly during their investigations of criminal violations of fisheries laws. They’re especially troubling because the officers are unable to defend themselves, as disclosure of details would seriously compromise their investigations.
The NR Police have authority to enforce all state laws and investigate all suspected criminal activity. A Circuit Court judge determines whether the evidence they gather is sufficient to establish probable cause that criminal activity is taking place. The judge may then issue a warrant authorizing certain investigative techniques to follow during the investigation.
If there’s an arrest, defense attorneys have access to all the details, and the trial judge determines whether the evidence was gathered properly. The proper place for such examination is the courtroom after the investigation is completed, not in the press or through public debate when all the facts cannot be disclosed.
John R. Griffin
Secretary,
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
