The Source - Winter 2008 - (Page 16)

feature Natural gas: The comfortable, responsible energy solution By Donna Peeples D uring last month’s presidential election, one phrase was uttered over and over and over again by the talking heads on television screens, by bloggers online, and by the candidates themselves: “Energy independence.” Energy independence is critical to the United States and its future for a number of reasons. Whatever the particular passion point an individual or company may have—domestic security, economic security, environmental impact—it’s clear that the $700 billion dollars that the United States spends annually on foreign oil needs to be reduced. But what is the alternative? Getting the word out While the nation struggles to find these sustainable energy options, leaders in the natural gas industry have formed a new coalition to advance the use of natural gas as the clean energy solution for the nation right now. The Council for Responsible Energy (CRE), with top management membership from more than 165 organizations, is mounting a national campaign to communicate the positive attributes of natural gas to consumers, building trades, and national accounts that make high-impact energy choices. The CRE’s mission is to educate and build awareness among consumers, builders, and businesses that by choosing natural gas today they can help save energy, reduce emissions, and protect the environment without compromising performance and lifestyle. And that’s important. As the result of industry research, we know that people want to do the right thing when it comes to the environment. However, they don’t always know what that is, and how to do it. In addition, while consumers and business owners want to become energy efficient and reduce their carbon footprint and curb emissions, comfort and performance are still high priorities. In fact, they are expected. Promoting the beneﬁts The formation of CRE is critical to the gas industry as a whole and its future. Over the past several years, we have steadily lost customer base to energy competitors and increasingly to alternative energy providers. Consumers are demanding “green” energy. Yet research shows—amazingly—that they are not aware of the environmental advantages of natural gas. We have watched as the electric utility industry positions itself as the conservation choice with customers. By supporting CRE, together we can move the needle on these positions by promoting the true attributes of natural gas: Natural gas is a practical and attainable energy choice. It’s a green energy alternative, and it is available right here, right now. Natural gas is our country’s second largest energy resource, and 98 percent of the natural gas used in the United States is from North America. Of all the fossil fuels, natural gas is the cleanest burning – emitting 45 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) than the coal used to generate electricity and 30 percent less than heating oil. It also is very efficient. Natural gas customers receive 90 percent of the natural gas delivered to their home or business as useful energy. In contrast, electric customers receive less than one-third of the energy that is first converted to electricity before being delivered to their home or business. Because natural gas is so efficient, the average natural gas home emits 60 • • • • • 16 THE SOURCE | THE VOICE AND CHOICE OF PUBLIC GAS

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Source - Winter 2008

The Source - Winter 2008 Contents First Person The Bridge to Renewable Energy Future Natural Gas: The Comfortable, Responsible Energy Solution Gas Hydrates: Poised for the Next Phase The Role of Natural Gas in a Carbon-Constrained World Natural Gas Prepays Taking the Leap to Natural Gas Vehicles The Pipeline Legislative Outlook Advertiser's Index Advertiser.com At Last

The Source - Winter 2008

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