Growing concern about global climate change is triggering change in the political climate.

Author: NWGA Staff
Published October 29, 2007

In this White Paper:

The role of natural gas in addressing climate change NWGA Policy Principles relating to climate change initiatives What we can do today to protect our environment

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s decision makers craft near- and longer-term policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, consideration must be given to the vital role of natural gas in the equation. Because it is the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels, natural gas is a centerpiece in regional, national and international efforts to address climate change.

An analysis of proposed U.S. Climate Change legislation (S.280) recently released by the Natural Gas Council (NGC) - representing every segment of the U.S. natural gas industry - confirms as much.

In a related press release dated October 3, 2007, the NGC said, “[We] firmly believe that natural gas will be a critical component in achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions under any climate change legislation.”

The Pacific Northwest is in the vanguard with several states and provinces having recently enacted climate change policies. Because natural gas is a valuable resource and such an important part of the region’s economy, regional policymakers must ensure that it is utilized as effectively as possible. The region must retain and secure additional access to abundant and diverse sources of supply as climate change policies increase regional demand for natural gas. It must also ensure that the associated transmission, storage and distribution infrastructure can grow as necessary.

This white paper explores the role of natural gas in addressing climate change, some practical steps consumers across the region can take to reduce their carbon emissions and the policy principles adopted by the NWGA Board to guide our approach to climate change related policy initiatives.