As an environmentally conscious citizen, you most likely try to make choices that minimize pollution and climate change. However, did you know the fuels you use at home have a huge impact? According to Intech, the United States emits one-fifth of the world’s carbon dioxide, and homes are responsible for about 20% of those emissions. This means, on a global scale, U.S. households account for 4% of all carbon emissions.
Reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a critical step in fighting global climate change, which is one of today’s biggest environmental challenges. So, how does natural gas fit into the grand scheme of things? Does it emit more or less pollution than other fossil fuels? Well, when you understand just how clean natural gas is, you’ll realize it has a relatively minimal impact on the environment.
If you’re interested in switching to natural gas or saving money on your current bills, contact UGI EnergyLink online or call us at 800-797-0712!
Natural Gas Is Domestically Produced
Many people forget about the pollution associated with producing and transporting fuel. Having an abundant source of energy under domestic soil isn’t just important for reducing our dependence on foreign oil—it also makes natural gas eco-friendlier.
Still, concerns exist regarding the environmental impact of natural gas pipelines that zigzag underground. These concerns include natural habitat loss and fragmentation, changes in species movement, sedimentation, and air pollution. Fortunately, responsible pipeline installation, re-vegetation efforts, and ongoing maintenance help to reduce the impact of these problems.
Natural Gas Emits Less Carbon Dioxide
When fossil fuels burn, they emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. The amount, however, depends on the particular fuel. According to the US Energy Information Administration, this is how many pounds of carbon dioxide that natural gas and other fossil fuels emit per million British thermal units (Btu) of energy produced:
- Coal: 214 to 229
- Diesel fuel and heating oil: 161
- Gasoline: 157
- Propane: 139
- Natural gas: 117
Natural Gas Doesn’t Contribute Significantly to Smog or Acid Rain
Smog is an environmental concern in dense metropolitan areas. It’s the result of chemical reactions that occur between carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and heat from sunlight. That’s why smog is more prominent on hot, summer days in Pennsylvania.
Additionally, acid rain can occur when high levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are in the air. This makes Pennsylvania highly susceptible to acid rain because of the many coal-fired power plants located here. However, compared to coal, natural gas emits virtually no sulfur dioxide. It also emits 50% less carbon dioxide and 80% fewer nitrogen oxides. This means natural gas doesn’t contribute significantly to smog or acid rain.
Choose UGI EnergyLink for Natural Gas in PA
It’s clear that natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel available. Now, it’s time to tap into this energy source at the lowest price possible. Thanks to natural gas deregulation in Pennsylvania, you have the power to choose a provider that supplies reliable natural gas for the most affordable rate. That’s where UGI EnergyLink comes in. Whether you’re hoping to make a natural gas conversion, or you simply want to lower your monthly fuel costs, choose us as your natural gas supplier in Pennsylvania!
Our history of providing homes and businesses throughout the Northeast with quality, affordable natural gas dates back more than 130 years. Plus, switching to UGI EnergyLink is easy! We’ll help you lock in a lower rate than what you’re paying now, and get you all set up with no interruption to your services.
To begin the transition to a cleaner fuel at a lower price, call us at 800-797-0712 today or contact us online!