• Environment

On World Environment Day, people across the globe take time to reflect on the ways that we can help safeguard our environment for future generations. The energy sector plays a critical role in the future of reducing emissions, while also providing the essential energy customers and communities need.

America’s energy goals are only achievable through continued investment in innovation and infrastructure, particularly with our natural gas distribution system. Safety and efficiency improvements to natural gas infrastructure have helped the U.S. achieve 40-year lows of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Since 1990, emissions from the natural gas distribution system have declined 70 percent, even as a new residential customer signs up for natural gas about every minute, and approximately 60 businesses sign up for service every day.

Natural gas utilities invest nearly $1.5 billion every year in energy efficiency programs and new technologies that help families and businesses reduce their energy use . These programs have been key to cutting emissions and continuing to deliver energy reliably and safely, with efficient natural gas appliances expected to cut home greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2040. Energy efficiency programs also helped natural gas utilities save 1.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 and will continue to be a driving force in emissions reduction. Advancements in technology and innovation will continue to advance the efficiency across the natural gas industry and ultimately drive down emissions across the nation.

Natural gas isn’t just an option when it comes to preserving our environment, it’s foundational in reaching the goals that make a cleaner future possible. This World Environment Day, and every day, natural gas utilities are continuing to innovate, advance, and deliver for communities, not just the energy they need now but also a cleaner tomorrow.