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Finding the Balance

The Role of Natural Gas in America's Energy Future

Natural gas has an important role to play in America's energy future. Efficient use of natural gas -- the cleanest-burning of all fossil fuels -- in homes and businesses and for electricity generation can result in substantially lower emissions of global warming pollution than many alternatives. But this does not mean we need to drill for more natural gas in valuable wild places. Invading pristine places for natural gas that we can get elsewhere would be an irreparable and costly mistake. This October 2008 issue paper discusses how investments in efficiency cost less and can bring benefits to the market faster than trying to increase supplies through drilling. By reducing the demand for natural gas quickly, increased efficiency can bring down the price of gas and lower bills for the average consumer right away. This issue paper also provides recommendations for policy solutions that can provide short-term benefits and long-term energy solutions by incentivizing energy efficiency and supporting development of renewable energy sources.

OVERVIEW & QUICK REFERENCE
Fact sheet (pdf)

ISSUE PAPER IN PDF
Adobe Acrobat file (size: 807 KB)
Click here if you need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Chapter 1: Natural Gas Is a Bridge, Not a Solution
Chapter 2: Making the Most of Existing Natural Gas Resources
Chapter 3: Reducing Energy Costs Immediately Through Efficiency
Chapter 4: Conclusion and Policy Recommendations
Endnotes

last revised 9/30/2008

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