A new study released April 25 by the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University argues in favor of natural gas pipelines making a positive contribution toward reducing climate change.
The study states:
The Biden administration’s move to bring the United States back into the Paris Agreement and lower greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change will, if carried through, lead to a reduction in fossil fuel consumption. Cutting back on the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas will be critical to transitioning the country to the lower-carbon energy system it needs to achieve decarbonization targets. But while it may seem counterintuitive, investing more in the domestic natural gas pipeline network could help the US reach net-zero emission goals more quickly and cheaply. Fortifying and upgrading the system could prepare the existing infrastructure to transport zero-carbon fuels as they become available and, in the meantime, reduce harmful methane leaks from natural gas.
For a copy of the 64-page study, Investing in the US Natural Gas Pipeline System to Support Net-Zero Targets, click here. An E&E Energywire article discussing the study is available here.