Reduced Emissions

Natural Gas is the backbone of a clean energy economy. No other source of energy has been responsible for more CO2 reductions over the past 15 years in the United States than natural gas. Natural gas provides a solution to growing concerns about climate change and the future of our planet.

The US has reduced CO2 emissions more than any other country since 2005 due to fuel switching and backstopping intermittent generation like solar and wind. Natural gas plays a vital role in reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. Natural gas is an essential partner to renewable energy that provides a backup energy supply when needed—allowing the grid to integrate more wind and solar energy while preserving reliability.

Quick Facts:

  • Natural gas has slashed CO2 emissions from the electric power sector by nearly 5 million metric tons (MMT) since 2006—the equivalent of taking 1.1 million cars off the road for one year. (EIA, EPA)
  • Roughly 40 percent of American electricity is now generated by natural gas (EIA). This shift has largely replaced older coal-fired power plants with cleaner-burning gas plants. (EIA)