The USA has been called “the Saudi Arabia of natural gas.” Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel and a highly efficient form of energy. It is composed mainly of methane, which when burned completely converts to carbon dioxide and water vapor. The following chart compares pollutant emission levels of Natural Gas, oil, and coal. Natural Gas outperforms other fossil fuels by virtually every measure. That’s why many companies, such as Ryder and Waste Management, have begun converting their fleets to CNG. Proctor & Gamble and Wal-Mart are also in the process of making the conversion.
Pounds of CO2 emitted per million British thermal units (Btu) of energy for various fuels.
Fuel | CO2 (Btu) |
---|---|
Coal (anthracite) | 228.6 |
Coal (bituminous) | 205.7 |
Coal (lignite) | 215.4 |
Coal (subbituminous) | 214.3 |
Diesel fuel and heating oil | 161.3 |
Gasoline | 157.2 |
Propane | 139.0 |
Natural gas | 117.0 |
Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel (with less than half the CO2 emissions of coal).
Local governments are reducing air pollution with CNG-powered vehicles that include: