The Invisible Engine: Natural Gas Fueling American Manufacturing
American manufacturing is the cornerstone of the nation’s economy. It drives innovation, creates jobs and keeps the United States globally competitive. A great advantage of American manufacturing is the abundance and affordability of natural gas. From fueling factories and industrial facilities to serving as a key ingredient in countless products, natural gas supports economic growth and enables manufacturers to operate efficiently. As demand for American-made goods continues to grow, natural gas remains an essential resource that helps fuel the nation’s industrial success.
Many critical sectors of the American economy rely on natural gas to fuel businesses and support communities. Commercial and industrial customers have saved more than $655 billion over the last decade by using natural gas. These long-term savings translate into lower operating costs for businesses, more affordable products for consumers and a stronger overall economy. By delivering reliable and cost-effective energy, natural gas helps American industries remain competitive and stable.
Natural gas is a critical feedstock for American-made pharmaceuticals. In fact, the pharmaceutical supply chain consumes approximately the same amount of natural gas delivered to the state of Missouri with a population of more than 6.1 million. In pharmaceutical facilities, natural gas plays a critical role in maintaining precise heating and temperature controls necessary for the safe production and storage of medicines. Without natural gas, pharmaceutical manufacturers would have to charge more for supplies and medicines, which would raise the cost for customers.
Demand for natural gas continues to grow as companies continue to invest in new facilities and expand domestic production. As the world’s largest producer of natural gas, natural gas customers enjoy prices of approximately one-fifth of what those in Europe experience. This advantage results in substantial capital investment from businesses seeking reliable, affordable energy for their operations. It also helps position the United States as the preferred country for energy-intensive manufacturing industries such as fertilizer, semiconductors and electric vehicles. With an abundant supply of natural gas, the U.S. can scale to meet increasing demand, providing manufacturers with the confidence to expand production and invest in long-term growth.
As America continues to strengthen its manufacturing sector, natural gas will continue to be the key driver of economic growth and industrial opportunities. Natural gas is affordable, reliable, and can meet growing demand to provide the necessary energy to produce essential goods, create jobs and invest in innovation. As an invisible engine for our nation, natural gas continues to be a domestic resource that will keep the United States successful for years to come.