New Study Identifies Big Reductions In US Natural Gas Emissions

A study published Tuesday finds that America enjoys a profound abundance of natural gas so large that even the most conservative estimates indicate a supply for at least the next 100 years. The study, conducted by The National Petroleum Council – a federal advisory committee that serves under the umbrella of the Department of Energy – also finds that federal energy and climate policies already in place would create a 59% reduction in methane emissions by 2050.  

The study, titled “Ch4arting the Co2urse: Reducing GHG Emissions From The U.S. Natural Gas Supply Chain,” was requested by Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, who asked for a comprehensive assessment of the magnitude and major sources of natural gas-related greenhouse gas emissions, along with reductions in those emissions that could be achieved from a variety of potential public policy pathways between now and 2050. The end goal is the publication of a report that can serve as an actionable reference point for the development of effective government policy.