The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released this month its 19th annual report of greenhouse gas emissions, showing a 3.4 percent decrease in emissions from 2011-2012.
The federal agency attributes the reduction primarily to a decline in energy consumption across all sectors of the U.S. economy, plus the decrease in carbon intensity for electricity generation due to fuel switching from coal to natural gas.
These latest scientific findings are consistent with President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, which supports the role natural gas plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a more responsible and sustainable energy future.
“Our energy policy is creating jobs and leading to a cleaner, safer planet,” noted President Obama in his State of the Union Address in January. Speaking about natural gas, he added: “. . . it’s the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change.”
President Obama’s Climate Action Plan also cites the importance of energy efficiency.
In Vermont alone, Vermont Gas energy-efficiency programs reduce energy usage while saving customers $13 million every year. During the last two decades, the quality and effectiveness of Vermont Gas’ energy-efficiency programs has been recognized 33 times through national awards and recognition from organizations including the EPA, Department of Energy, and the American Council for and Energy-Efficient Economy.
“At a time when natural gas production and use is high, we continue to see carbon and methane emissions drop and trend downward,” said Stephen Wark, Director of Communications. “At Vermont Gas, we continue to work to reduce consumption and emissions through energy efficiency, modern system design, preventative maintenance and robust inspection programs.”
Source: South Burlington, Vt. – 4.24.2014