Why We Must Celebrate America’s Natural Gas Energy Boom

As we celebrate the 4^th of July holiday, America’s national security should be front of mind. As such, the energy freedoms that are made possible by domestic natural gas development deserve to be recognized and celebrated this Independence Day weekend. Energy security has been a national priority for generations, and was brought to the forefront of policy discussions during the energy crises of the 1970s. Two years ago, thanks to the continued success of shale development, America achieved that elusive national security goal when the U.S. became a net energy exporter for the first time since the mid-1950s.

It’s an achievement celebrated broadly, with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm telling members of Congress during her confirmation hearing that “hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling…have certainly contributed to the nation’s energy security.”

The widespread adoption of these American-born technologies has enabled the U.S. to become the world’s largest natural gas and oil producer while also reducing energy sector emissions faster than any other nation.

Compared to peak 2005 levels, Pennsylvania power sector CO2 emissions have declined 41 percent, and state data shows sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxide levels plummeted 93 percent and 81 percent, respectively, as more natural gas-fired generation came online during that time frame. This leads to significantly fewer respiratory illnesses, which often disproportionately affect children and senior citizens.

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Source: Real Clear Energy