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 Natural gas is the cleanest burning hydrocarbon fuel on the planet. When combusted, natural gas is mostly methane (CH4), a compound with molecules containing just one carbon atom and four hydrocarbon atoms. Its combustion products are primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor. Most pollution in the United States comes from the transportation and utility sectors. We could reduce total air pollution by nearly 30% using natural gas vehicles. In the electric power sector, we can reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions by 55%, mercury emissions by 30%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 15% with natural gas-fired generation.
KEY POINTS
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The natural gas industry is interested in reducing air emissions through increasing the use of clean-burning natural gas.
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Natural gas produces fewer emissions than all other traditional fuel sources.
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Utilizing natural gas for base-load power will help reduce emissions from electricity generation.
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Natural gas-fired generation has the potential to:
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Reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and emissions of particulates by 90%.
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Emit 80% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) than burning coal.
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Emit virtually no SO2 or Mercury.
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Colorado has existing natural gas fired generation in place, and it is operating at only 45% of capacity.
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Natural gas vehicles:
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Could replace 25% of our crude oil consumption.
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Emit 30% less CO2 than gasoline and diesel equivalents.
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Emit 22% less greenhouse gases than diesel engines.
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Fleet conversion represents the most practical use of natural gas vehicles.
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Incentives and grants are available for conversion at state and federal level.
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Colorado currently has 20 natural gas fueling stations, 13 may be used by the general public.
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Colorado has an abundance of natural gas that can be utilized to help shape our energy future.
Information Sources: Environmental Protection Agency, www.naturalgas.org
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