Across the United States, the increase in pollution has become more of a threat to wildlife, communities, and everyone’s public health. Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed the new Clean Power Plan, which calls for a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions from our power plants by 2030. This means that everyone across the U.S. will have to take a stand in reducing carbon pollution to create a cleaner environment.
Pennsylvania has already taken proper steps to create a cleaner environment. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), nearly 5,000 power companies in the state have retired their current manufacturing plan—focusing on making the switch from coal to a cleaner-burning natural gas.
Is Natural Gas Clean?
The answer is simple—yes. Natural gas is a natural fossil fuel found deep beneath the earth’s surface and is one of the cleanest, safest, and most useful forms of energy in our day-to-day lives. It produces less than half of the carbon emissions as coal—which is why many Pennsylvania’s are making the switch now.
Once removed from an underground reservoir, natural gas is transferred to a gas processing plant to remove any impurities and by-products. From there, it is transferred through a network of pipelines, straight into your home or commercial building.
Is Natural Gas Affordable?
Yes! Because natural gas is not imported from other countries, you are not paying high transportation costs like you do with oil. Also, because it’s natural, there are no added chemicals—which could increase costs. Natural gas is one of the most affordable energy solutions on the market, making it easy for your family or office to make the switch.
What Can Natural Gas Be Used for?
Natural gas can be used for many things. However, the most popular include:
- Heating homes and commercial buildings (natural gas now heats 51 percent of U.S. homes)
- Cooking (stoves and ovens)
- Powering vehicles (there are approximately 142,000 natural gas vehicles operating on American roads)
- And more!
Make the Switch to Natural Gas
If you want to get a head start on using clean energy before 2030, switch to natural gas. To enroll and start natural gas service, contact UGI EnergyLink today. We can help you find the most affordable plan for your Pennsylvania home or office.