Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel and can actually improve the quality of air and water when used
in place of other, more polluting energy sources.
There is an abundant supply of natural gas in the U.S. In fact, 96% of natural gas comes from North America.
There is always an ample supply for all household and commercial needs.
Natural gas combustion produces virtually no emissions of sulfur dioxide and far lower emissions
of carbon monoxide, reactive hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide.
Natural gas is more environmentally attractive than other fossil fuels because it is composed chiefly of methane,
producing combustion products of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Coal and industrial fuel oil combustion produce
a higher ratio of carbon as well as sulfur and nitrogen compounds which do not burn as cleanly. Also, ash particles
are produced which can be carried into the atmosphere.
Use of natural gas alternately or simultaneously with less environmentally attractive fuels can reduce air pollution
from factories and plants that generate electricity. The conversion process requires minimal time and a relatively
small capital investment and gives the consumer flexibility in meeting U.S. environmental standards.
Acid rain and CO/ozone pollution are of primary environmental concern. By using natural gas as the energy of choice,
emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide are substantially reduced, thus alleviating acid rain and ozone
pollution levels.
Automotive gasoline use contributes about three-fourths of all carbon monoxide pollution in urban areas as well as
most of the hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide pollution levels. Use of natural gas-fueled vehicles could reduce carbon
monoxide levels by as much as 90 percent and hydrocarbon emissions by as much as 85 percent. America's energy of choice
could make a substantial impact on improving America's water and air.
