Emmisions from the Combustion of Natural Gas-
Natural gas is the cleanest of all fossil fuels. Composed primarily of methane, the main products of the combustion of natural gas are carbon dioxide and water vapor, the same compounds we exhale when we breathe.
| Fossil Fuel Emission Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollutant | Natural Gas | Oil | Coal |
| Carbon Dioxide | 117,000 | 164,000 | 208,000 |
| Carbon Monoxide | 40 | 33 | 208 |
| Nitrogen Oxides | 92 | 448 | 457 |
| Sulfur Dioxide | 1 | 1,122 | 2,591 |
| Particulates | 7 | 84 | 2,744 |
| Mercury | 0.000 | 0.007 | 0.016 |
Greenhouse Gasses-
A study performed in 1997 by the EPA concluded that the reduction in emissions from increased natural gas use strongly outweighs the detrimental effects of increased methane emissions. Thus the increased use of natural gas in the place of other, dirtier fossil fuels can serve to lessen the emission of greenhouse gases in the United States.
Smog and Acid Rain-
Natural gas does not contribute to the formation of smog because it emits low levels of nitrogen oxides, and virtually no particulate matter. Thus, it can be used to help combat smog formation in those areas where ground level air quality is poor.
Industrial and Electric Generation Emmisions-
Natural gas fired electric generation, and natural gas powered industrial applications provide for a variety of environmental benefits and environmentally friendly applications including fewer emissions, reduced sludge, reburning, cogeneration, and fuel cells.
