A new Pew Research Center poll found that 67% of Americans would like the country to keep a mix of fossil fuels and renewable energy, such as renewable natural gas, hydrogen, wind and solar. That’s because consumers want to maintain the choice of natural gas, which reliably and affordably heats and powers their homes.
While a majority support taking steps to reduce emissions and become carbon neutral, they don’t back completely phasing out fuels like natural gas, which is 50% cleaner than coal.
Natural gas utilities in the Northwest are committed to continuous improvement and decarbonization. They are bringing more renewable natural gas and hydrogen into their energy mix and delivering it through existing infrastructure.
About 60% of those polled said the United States has a responsibility to support renewable energy development, like renewable natural gas, which is made by capturing organic methane gas from materials like wood, food and other waste that would otherwise release into the atmosphere and converts it to clean energy source. This technology is being advanced through partnerships with foresters, farmers, and local governments to deliver more renewable natural gas to the Northwest.
And renewable hydrogen is created from excess wind and solar power. Because it converts wind and solar electricity to gas, renewable hydrogen acts like battery storage for excess renewable electricity that can be deployed when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining. It’s one way gas and electricity work together to deliver reliable energy choices across the region. These projects are happening right here. In Washington, Douglas County has a new renewable hydrogen pilot project near Baker Flats, East Wenatchee.
Washington and Oregon workers have been at the forefront of training and implementing the latest technology designed to address climate change. We’ve made tremendous progress up to this point, and we’re excited about tomorrow.
The Pew survey included 10,237 randomly selected U.S. adults and was conducted at the end of January 2022.
By Leanne Guier, member of UA Local 32 Plumbers & Pipefitters and President of Partnership for Energy Progress
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