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natural gas instead of coal avoid annual emissions of 1,900 tons of “Every 10,000 U.S. homes powered with natural
nitrogen oxides, 3,900 tons of sulfur dioxide and 5,200 tons of par- gas instead of coal avoid the annual emissions
ticulates. Reductions in these emissions translate into public health
benefits, as these pollutants have been linked with problems such of 1,900 tons of nitrogen oxides, 3,900 tons of
as asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease for hundreds sulfur dioxide and 5,200 tons of particulates.”
of thousands of Americans, according to the Union of Concerned
Scientists. This national nonprofit organization uses rigorous, inde- — U.S. Department of Energy
pendent science to solve the planet’s problems.
According to a recent EPA report, since 2005, national greenhouse and increased energy demand from the prior year in this report,
gas emissions have fallen by 10%, and power sector emissions have based on preliminary data, we expect next year’s [2021] report to
fallen by 27% — even as our economy grew by 25%. Providing 29% show that the long-term downward trend will continue.”
of the country’s energy, natural gas heats about half of the country’s
homes, where carbon emissions have declined more than any other FROM RElIABIlIty tO REstORAtION
nation in the world. The Earth continues to reap the benefits of natural gas every day.
“Our report highlights declining emissions trends since 2005, Natural gas is critical to meeting America’s surging energy needs
showing that the U.S. is reducing GHG emissions while still being now and for the foreseeable future. And, according to the EIA,
able to grow a robust economy,” said EPA Administrator Andrew there is enough natural gas in North America to last throughout
Wheeler. “While there was a small rise in emissions due to weather this century. n

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