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Environmental Information
Cleanest Fuel
Natural gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel, producing primarily carbon dioxide, water vapor and small amounts of nitrogen oxides. Other fossil fuels are coal and oil, which together with natural gas, account for about 88 percent of U.S. energy consumption. The use of natural gas is also rapidly increasing in electric power generation and cooling because it is such a clean-burning energy source.
Natural Gas is an American Resource
85 percent of America's natural gas comes from the U.S., which has enough energy to fuel the nation for generations to come. America's abundant supply of natural gas can help reduce our dependence on foreign oil imports by 4.5 million barrels a day.
Supply
Most of the natural gas consumed in the United States is produced in North America.
- 85 percent comes from United States (mostly lower 48).
- 12 percent comes from Canada.
- 3 percent comes from liquified natual gas (LNG) Imports.
Cleanest Fuel
Natural gas combustion produces 79 percent less nitrogen oxide than oil and 80 percent less than coal. Therefore, burning natural gas in place of these other fossil fuels reduces the emissions of harmful pollutants into the environment. Coal and oil, together with natural gas, account for about 88 percent of U.S. energy consumption.
Fossil Fuel Emission Levels
Pounds per Billion Btu of Energy Input |
| Emission |
Natural Gas |
Oil |
Coal |
| Carbon dioxide |
117,000 |
164,000 |
208,000 |
| Carbon monoxide |
40 |
33 |
208 |
| Nitrogen oxides |
92 |
448 |
457 |
| Sulfur dioxide |
1 |
1,122 |
2,591 |
| Particulates |
7 |
84 |
2,744 |
| Mercury |
0.000 |
0.007 |
0.016 |
Source: EIA - Natural Gas Issues and Trends 1998
Burning natural gas in the place of other fossil fuels emits fewer harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, and an increased reliance on natural gas can potentially reduce the emission of many of the most harmful pollutants known to cause greenhouse gases, smog production and acid rain.
Increased Demand for Clean Fuel
Natural gas consumption will increase 45 percent by 2020, and much of the increase is due to electric generation plants using natural gas instead of coal to create electricity. Natural gas is in demand for power plants because it is a cleaner-burning fuel than coal and helps protect air quality.
Energy is the lifeblood of the economy: natural gas meets one-fourth of the U.S. needs. One-third of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. supports manufacturing plants and other industries because natural gas is clean, efficient and delivers good performance.
Greater use of natural gas benefits Americans through cleaner air, energy independence and more jobs.
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