By November 17, 2015 Read More →

Use natural gas for power generation not coal, API tells world leaders

Fracked natural gas could be answer for Asia, which is building hundreds of new coal power plants using old technology

Substituting natural gas for coal power generation, which has proven so successful in driving down American GHG emissions, should be a model for the world, says the American Petroleum Institute.

natural gas

A combined cycle natural gas power plant.

API CEO Jack Gerard urged leaders to use America’s market-driven model for addressing climate challenges during an upcoming conference in Paris.

“America’s private sector has already taken the lead on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, even as we increase economic activity and domestic energy production to keep energy reliable and affordable for consumers,” said Gerard during a conference call Monday with reporters.

“Our success is driven, not by government mandate or legislative fiat, but through innovation, investment and entrepreneurial spirit.”

natural gas

Jack Gerard, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute. Photo: Handout.

Gerard shared a new analysis by API, which demonstrates how the United States has become the world leader in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. He also cited EPA data showing that methane emissions are plummeting, with the largest reductions coming from hydraulically fractured natural gas wells.

“The fact is that the nation’s 21st century energy renaissance, which has made domestically produced natural gas cheap and abundant, has helped us achieve substantial and sustained emissions reductions without command and control style regulatory intervention,” said Gerard.

Gerard criticized the Obama Administration for hewing to “last century’s thinking” that increased energy production and achieving climate goals are mutually exclusive, pursuing costly government mandates to detriment of the American consumer and economy.

“Where other nations have pledges, we have progress and results. America’s market-driven success should be the model for the Paris conference,” said Gerard.

“As the president and his advisers work on a climate deal, they should keep consumers and our economy at the forefront.”

API is the only national oil and natural gas trade association representing more than 625 members, including large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms.

Posted in: Politics

2 Comments on "Use natural gas for power generation not coal, API tells world leaders"

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  1. Dr. Robert C Dickson says:

    This article is very misleading. Fugitive methane emissions are at least 20 times more potent and harmful to the environment, thereby making a shift to natural gas only marginally better. What the world needs is a wholesale paradigm shift to renewables, energy efficiency and conservation, with gas only to temporarily fill the void till the above and newer technologies can fully take over.

    • Jude Hislop says:

      Well, it is the American Petroleum Institute. They have a bias. We try to provide all perspectives. Thanks for your comment!