World Environment Day: Caring For Our Environment and Energy Future
On World Environment Day, people across the globe take time to reflect on the ways that we can help safeguard…
ENVIRONMENT
Natural gas is essential for achieving our nation’s energy goals.
America’s natural gas industry will be essential to achieve a sustainable future.
Climate change is a defining challenge across the globe, and natural gas, natural gas utilities, and the delivery infrastructure are essential to meeting our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. By including natural gas, advanced fuels, and our world-class infrastructure, we can expand our opportunities to slash emissions, unleash greater innovation and enhance energy reliability.
Environment
By the Numbers
70% decline
Emissions from natural gas distribution systems have declined 70% since 1990.
1.7 million metric tons
Natural gas utilities saved 1.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency programs in 2020.
40-year lows
Natural gas efficiency and the
growth of renewable energy have
led to energy-related carbon dioxide
emissions decreasing to levels
comparable to 40 years ago.
Net-Zero Emissions Opportunities for Gas Utilities
Net-Zero Emissions Opportunities for Gas Utilities presents a national-level approach that leverages the unique advantages of gas technologies and distribution infrastructure. The study underscores the range of scenarios and technology opportunities available as the nation, regions, states and communities develop and implement ambitious emissions reductions plans.
By including natural gas, advanced fuels and our world-class infrastructure, we can expand our opportunities to slash emissions, unleash greater innovation and enhance energy reliability.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
Renewable natural gas (RNG) is defined as a pipeline-compatible gaseous fuel derived from biogenic or other renewable sources that has lower life cycle carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions than geologic natural gas.
RNG is produced from renewable, domestic sources like farms, wastewater, landfills and even hydrogen and captured carbon, representing a reliable and long-term American energy solution. Many AGA members have committed to incorporating RNG into their energy systems, providing reliable and renewable energy to families and communities across the country. Check out AGA’s RNG in Action page to get the full picture.
Energy Efficiency Programs
Energy efficiency can be an effective resource for customers, communities, and states to reduce energy costs, provide essential energy services, improve energy reliability and resilience, boost the economy, and reduce the environmental footprint of energy use.
Many natural gas utility companies have long-performing natural gas efficiency programs. Based on experience and expertise, and shaped by regulatory oversight and partner engagement, natural gas utilities continue to invest in new strategies to extend energy efficiency options to customers and their communities while maintaining a safe, reliable, resilient, and affordable grid
More Resources
- Report: Direct Use of Natural Gas is a Cost-Effective Path to Lower Emissions
- Report: Four Decades of Progress: How Efficiency Has Cut Gas Bills and Emissions in Half
- Study: Opportunities for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Through Emerging Natural Gas Direct-Use Technologies
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Understanding Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Natural Gas – EPA 2024 Inventory (1990-2022)
Key Findings Economy-Wide Emissions Natural Gas Systems Figure 1: Read the full report below:
Natural Gas Heat Pumps
Gas heat pumps can utilize a range of gaseous fuels including natural gas, renewable natural gas and hydrogen. Advanced gas…
A Reliable and Resilient Energy System is Essential to the U.S. Economy
The natural gas system’s physical characteristics provide stability to the energy system. With an underground, looped infrastructure, pipelines are shielded from many major disruptive events.