|
|
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 green house gas emissions by 15% with natural gas-fired generation.
In conjunction with an Environmental Protection Agency meeting August 3 in Denver to take public comments on air quality regulations affecting the oil and gas industry, it seemed like a good time to consider the key role that natural gas can play in helping ensure a clean environment in Colorado and across the country.
Colorado's natural gas community has a longstanding commitment to being good neighbors and good stewards of the land. We do not believe people should have to choose between jobs and economic opportunities, on one hand, and their environment. We are committed to doing our work in a safe and responsible way, and we work closely with regulators who oversee every aspect of natural gas production.
A few key points to consider:
-
The natural gas industry is interested in reducing air emissions through increasing the use of clean-burning natural gas.
-
Natural gas produces fewer emissions than all other traditional fuel sources.
-
Utilizing natural gas for base-load power will help reduce emissions from electricity generation.
-
Natural gas-fired generation has the potential to:
- Reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and emissions of particulates by 90%
- Emit 80% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) than burning coal
- Emit virtually no SO2 or Mercury
- Colorado has existing natural gas fired generation in place, and it is operating at only 45% of capacity.
-
Natural gas vehicles:
- Could replace 25% of our crude oil consumption
- Emit 30% less CO2 than gasoline and diesel equivalents
- Emit 22% less greenhouse gases than diesel engines
-
Fleet conversion represents the most practical use of natural gas vehicles.
-
Incentives and grants are available for conversion at state and federal level.
-
Colorado currently has 20 natural gas fueling stations, 13 may be used by the general public.
-
Colorado has an abundance of natural gas that can be utilized to help shape our energy future.
Natural gas producers also understand and respect people's concerns and questions about the safety of their water and air, and we are committed to engaging in dialogue with community members, policymakers and stakeholders to talk about the safety of natural gas production and the opportunities natural gas offers communities across our country.
Using technological advances, the natural gas industry provided Colorado with 137,000 jobs and $18.3 billion in economic activity in 2008, according to IHS Global Insight. Benefits manifest themselves in the form of more prosperous communities, better schools and more affordable energy. In addition, the state can rely on natural gas reserves right in Colorado. Natural gas has created 2.8 million American jobs and is vital to our nation's clean-energy future and economy. |
|
Founded in 1984, the Colorado Oil & Gas Association's (COGA) purpose is "to foster and promote the beneficial, efficient, responsible and environmentally sound development, production and use of Colorado oil and natural gas." COGA is a nationally recognized trade association that aggressively promotes the expansion of Rocky Mountain natural gas markets, supply and transportation infrastructure through its growing and diverse membership. With Denver as a central focus of the region's growing gas industry, our Association is at the forefront of the legal, legislative and regulatory issues facing our member companies.
|
| Legal, Legislative, and Regulatory |
Founded in 1984, the Colorado Oil & Gas Association's (COGA) purpose is "to foster and promote the beneficial, efficient, responsible and environmentally sound development, production and use of Colorado oil and natural gas." COGA is a nationally recognized trade association that aggressively promotes the expansion of Rocky Mountain natural gas markets, supply and transportation infrastructure through its growing and diverse membership. With Denver as a central focus of the region's growing gas industry, our Association is at the forefront of the legal, legislative and regulatory issues facing our member companies.
|
| Public Relations |
|
COGA seeks to expand public knowledge and support for domestic energy development to address issues surrounding over-reliance on foreign sources of energy and the need for expanded development of the enormous Rockies natural gas resource.
COGA's efforts include:
-
Annual presentation of region's largest natural gas conference, focused on essential policy questions, current strategies and critical thinking;
-
Expansion of new educational programs for school students and policy makers through partnering institutions and organizations;
-
Aggressive, grassroots events in local communities through network of COGA employee chapters.
|
| MEMBER BENEFITS ON COGA.ORG |
|
| When you become a member of COGA you will now have access to our new Member Forum and Job Listing section, not to mention the Member Directory and other private features. To access these new sections you will need to be a COGA member and will need to be logged in. Once you login you will find new navigation options in the left column of the site. |
COGA Antitrust Statement -- COGA conducts all of its business, meetings and other affairs in strict compliance with the applicable antitrust and trade regulation laws. It is the responsibility of every COGA officer, director, employee, and member to (i) be guided by COGA's Antitrust Compliance Guidelines for strict compliance with the antitrust and trade regulation laws in all COGA and industry-related meetings, events, and activities, (ii) avoid discussions and actions which may be construed in any way to restrict competition, fix prices, or boycott, and (iii) report any known violations of COGA's Antitrust Compliance Guidelines or applicable antitrust and trade regulation laws to COGAs legal counsel.
|
