American Gas - April 2012 - (Page 2)

PresidenT’s Message Time for the Truth It’s time the nation engaged in an honest dialogue about natural gas production. .S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” In “Clearing the Air,” starting on p. 15, Pamela Lacey, AGA senior managing counsel, environment, cuts through some of the misleading claims about natural gas development to provide a facts-based discussion about the carbon footprint of natural gas. The American Gas Association is working with its members and others to demonstrate the true greenhouse gas benefits of natural gas. Putting forward fact-based information is the best way to help refute those who resort to ideology and fear tactics in an effort to muddy this debate. When we are all looking at the same set of unbiased facts, the benefits of natural gas for our environment, our economy and our nation’s energy security are clear. Advances in technology have led to the cost-effective development of natural gas from shale formations. The result has been a dramatic increase in the amount of domestic natural gas, and relatively low and stable prices for consumers. Local natural gas utilities are a part of the communities they serve. They recognize the importance of continuing to build on this strong domestic supply while also ensuring that the resource is produced in a sustainable and responsible manner. AGA continues to be an outspoken supporter of sustainable and responsible development. We are also working to develop credible information and resources to assist in educating our members and the public about both the benefits of this increased natural gas supply and the importance of responsible resource development. U DAve mccurDy President and ceO dmccurdy@aga.org Our recent report, “Turning Principles Into Action,” details responsible and sustainable natural gas resource development practices in action. Three important areas are highlighted: reducing environmental impacts, building trust with communities through responsible action, and ensuring the appropriate authority and capacity of regulatory oversight. These are practices that natural gas producers are continually developing and implementing. To read the report, visit www.aga.org. As our outlook for natural gas supply has grown, so too has the body of information pointing to the tremendous opportunities for consumers and our nation as a whole through greater use of natural gas. It is critical that we all demand the facts about this important issue rather than succumbing to the fiction many are spreading, and I encourage American Gas readers to explore varied and reputable sources to help ensure they are getting the truth about this important issue. Our cover story this month is about engaging customers, who happen to be the greatest beneficiaries of the lower and less volatile prices that have come with the growth of our natural gas supply. America’s natural gas utilities want what our customers want, and we are working to empower them by safely delivering natural gas at increasingly affordable prices and engaging in a constructive public dialogue about the best way to develop this abundant and domestic source of energy. Please continue to work with AGA to ensure the facts are heard. 2 AmericAn GAs APRIL 2012 http://www.aga.org/Kc/analyses-and-statistics/studies/supply/Pages/turning-principles-into-action.aspx http://www.aga.org/Kc/analyses-and-statistics/studies/supply/Pages/turning-principles-into-action.aspx http://www.aga.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Gas - April 2012

American Gas - April 2012
Contents
President’s Message
In the News
Safety First
Ask AGA
Tech Talk
Engaging Consumers
Squeezing Every Btu
Places to Be
Noteworthies
Jobline
Marketplace
Advertisers’ Index
Facts on Gas

American Gas - April 2012