In the wake of the decision to “pause” LNG export approvals, it’s important for us to also pause and reflect on the natural gas revolution.
Gas now accounts for 40% of our power generation.
![](https://budsoffshoreenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-62.png?w=1011)
The gas boom’s economic and environmental benefits are compelling. Greenhouse gas emissions currently get most of the attention. In that regard, methane (CH4) is a hydrogen transporter that emits far less CO2 than other fossil fuels when burned.
Less attention has been given to natural gas’s other important air quality advantages – low NOx. SO2, and particulate emissions. These emissions have greater local significance from a human health standpoint. Those who have ridden a bike behind a natural gas powered bus have no doubt experienced the natural gas advantage firsthand.
Other environmental considerations particularly favor offshore natural gas when compared to energy alternatives. These include low well and facility density, no groundwater pollution risk, and minimal risk to wildlife.
Compiled below are links to BOE posts on natural gas issues and advantages.
- 2/4/2010: Natural gas bonanza – why aren’t we celebrating?
- 10/12/2010: There are always tradeoffs
- 3/3/2011: Natural gas vehicles gaining momentum? Role for offshore gas?
- 6/23/2011: Shale gas and international intrigue
- 12/6/2021: Opportunity lost
- 12/14/2021: EQT makes compelling case for natural gas
- 12/16/2021: The decline in GoM nonassociated gas production and why we care
- 2/11/2022: It’s a good thing most US shale production is on private land
- 3/28/2022: Remember when the US was strictly an LNG importer?
- 4/3/2022: LNG projects should give a boost to Gulf of Mexico natural gas production
- 4/13/2022: Reminder about the massive natural gas resources in the eastern US
- 8/9/2022: Shale gas production, mostly on private lands in TX, PA, and LA, made this possible
- 1/11/2023: Saluting the contrarian GoM producers: 11 operators are producing more nonassociated (gas-well gas) than associated (oil-well gas)
- 9/19/2023: Mandates vs. energy realities
Leave a comment