Greenhouse gas emissions are decreasing thanks to Natural Gas
According to the EPA Press Release on October 23rd, greenhouse gas emissions are decreasing due to an increased use of natural gas in power generating plants. Utilities have shifted from using coal to using clean burning natural gas, a major factor in causing a decrease in carbon emissions.
The EPA collects annual greenhouse gas information from over 8,000 facilities including power plants, gas and oil production and refining plants and landfills. The EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, which started in 2010, collects facility-level greenhouse gas data from major industrial sources across the US.
Greenhouse gas emissions from power plants have decreased 10 percent in two years. This decrease is largely due to electricity generation switching from coal to natural gas, as well as a slight decrease in electricity production.
Sources:
United Sates Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Releases Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data from Large Facilities
The Washington Free Beacon, Feds: Natural Gas Production Decreasing Greenhouse Emissions
U.S Energy Information Administration, U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2012
4 Reasons why Natural Gas is So Cheap
1. Markets are Local
Natural gas from American wells is transported through pipelines on land across the US. Unlike oil which must be shipped in from overseas
2. Mild Winters
The mild winter of 2011 resulted in less demand for natural gas to heat homes, leaving suppliers with too much natural gas still in storage.
3. Fracking
Fracking has greatly increased the supplies of natural gas in America.
4. Lack of Consumer Demand
Only 19% of natural gas consumption in America is used by end consumers, 31% is used to create electricity in power plants and 28% is used in industrial settings.
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