Fossil Fuels are Here to Stay
For the last several years, leaders in the United States and other nations have led the push toward renewable energy sources by incentivizing and sometimes mandating hydroelectric,[1] wind,[2] ?and solar-generated[3] power and electrically powered cars and trucks[4] while discouraging and even restricting the use of fossil fuels, such as natural gas in new construction, coal-generated electricity, and gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.[5] Hardly a week passes without a US government official reminding Americans that buying an electric car is the ticket to bypassing gas stations and high fuel prices[6] while downplaying issues affecting the use of electric vehicles, such as the time associated with charging and the availability of charging stations.
An unfortunate side effect of what the Department of Energy refers to as a Clean Energy Revolution[7] is the inclusion of natural gas with more polluting fossil fuels, when, in fact, natural gas has been vital in recent years to achieve lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Natural Gas: Clean, Efficient and Abundant[8]
In the US, improved technology has made vast reserves of previously inaccessible natural gas, in formations including the Marcellus Shale, available for production since 2005 in what has been considered the start of the hydraulic fracturing boom.[9] The influx of natural gas flooded the market, driving down its cost[10] and making clean gas turbine electrical generation more economical than coal-generated power.
Natural gas burns cleaner than coal. Natural gas emits about half as much CO2 as coal[11] for electricity generation. US gas turbines produce more electricity today than any other fuel.[12] Newer, combined-cycle gas turbines generate twice as much electricity from the same amount of natural gas as single-cycle turbines.[13]
Greenhouse gas emissions from electric power generation were reduced by 33 percent in the US from 2005 to 2019 due to a shift from coal to natural gas, increased use of renewable energy, and a leveling of electricity demand.[14]
Globally, since 2010, the shift from coal to gas has saved about 551 million tons of CO2?– equivalent to putting an extra 200 million electric vehicles running on zero-carbon electricity on the road over the same period.
Since 2010, the market share of natural gas worldwide has increased more than any other energy source. During this same time, greater attention has been paid to reducing emissions. Natural gas is not an enemy of the clean energy movement; it is a significant factor in achieving clean air goals.
As the US continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we must be realists. Converting millions of homes and vehicles to renewable fuel sources cannot happen overnight and should only be attempted when renewable energy sources are cost-effective, plentiful, and dependable – and the public supports such a change.
Gas Ban Initiatives and Counter Efforts[15]
Recent attempts to hasten progress toward eliminating fossil fuels come in the form of gas bans in new homes and building construction. Some localities, including New York City, are enacting gas bans. New York City’s ban on natural gas in new construction took effect on January 1, 2024.[16] New York State attempted to pass a statewide gas ban in 2022, which was dropped during legislative budget negotiations.[17] Other states are enacting laws to prohibit gas bans.[18] Despite serious concern that the electrical grid is not ready to support the additional electricity required to power millions of fully electrified homes,[19] this issue doesn’t appear to be going away.
Fossil Fuels Are Ubiquitous
Our modern lives are inextricably linked with fossil fuels, not just for powering vehicles and generating electricity. There are many products manufactured from fossil fuels. Examples include:[20]
The Path Ahead
As you’ve surely observed, people have widely differing views regarding fossil fuels and the environment. These issues sometimes become ‘us against them’ battles. Agreement seems impossible, and compromise can be difficult. However, sensible people should try to find a middle ground on this issue.
If you’re old enough, think of the smog and pollution of the 1970’s. You could tell if a car was running by watching the tailpipe for the telltale stream of visible, noxious exhaust. Being stuck in traffic in the 70s meant coughing, wheezing, and watering eyes caused by exhaust fumes. Streams and rivers were clogged with garbage. In 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland caught fire due to oil and industrial wastes.[21] Many remember the Keep America Beautiful commercial[22] featuring Iron Eyes Cody, which drew attention to the significant litter problem throughout America.
As bad as environmental pollution was then, all that was necessary to begin cleaning it up was to obtain the people's buy-in to enact reasonable solutions. In 1970, the US Environmental Protection Agency was formed. The agency ensured Americans had clean air, land, and water.[23] The results didn’t happen immediately, but eventually, the environment became cleaner, smog disappeared, and waiting in traffic became less hazardous to your health.
Today, the US is again at an environmental crossroads. Activists are pushing for an all-or-nothing solution: the elimination of fossil fuels.[24] That could leave people unable to heat their homes or go to work if technology is impractical or unaffordable.
Environmentalists have been warning of a climate crisis for decades. If their earlier predictions were correct, today the Earth would be covered with water from melted arctic ice and humans nearly extinct.[25] Environmental moderates are skeptical of sweeping changes and prefer the gradual approach of smaller voluntary steps enacted over time.[26] To achieve long-lasting solutions, both groups must listen to each other and work toward compromise.
With the presidential and cabinet agency changes coming in 2025, US environmental policy is expected to return to the center. We are hearing less about electric vehicle mandates and heavy government subsidies toward renewable energy, such as wind and solar, with more focus on low-emission, carbon-friendly natural gas and nuclear energy. The recentering of American energy policy may be discouraging for environmental activists. Still, they should take comfort in knowing that technology will continue to improve and public interest in renewable options will grow as support increases organically rather than through the heavy hand of government force. Fossil fuel proponents justifiably feel victorious with the dramatic change in US energy policy. All Americans can now look ahead with renewed certainty as more economically viable energy derived from fossil fuels will remain available for several years.
Summary
Over the past 150 years, natural gas and other fossil fuels have become heavily ingrained in American life. They are reliable and economical sources of energy and components of vital products. It’s possible to be both grateful for the benefits of fossil fuels and to work toward an even greater reliance upon renewables. Considering these facts and despite environmentalists’ efforts to create a completely renewable energy future, it appears that fossil fuels are here to stay.[27]
Links to sources:
[10] https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-2/the-effects-of-shale-gas-production-on-natural-gas-prices.htm
[24] https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/research/8-reasons-why-we-need-to-phase-out-the-fossil-fuel-industry/
[27] https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/1/fossil-fuels-are-vital-to-americas-energy-future/
Vice President of Federal Affairs at GPA Midstream Association
3 个月Very insightful Brian Dresel. Thanks for sharing these thoughts!
nathanhammer.substack.com
3 个月Fossil fuels aren’t the problem. They’re the solution ??
Elite Healthcare Turnaround Executive | Healthcare Systems Transformation Expert | CMS Regulatory Expert | Operational Excellence Strategist | Executive Leadership Coach
3 个月Brian Dresel, the shift back towards fossil fuels could change energy dynamics significantly. however, sustainability concerns remain crucial in discussions about future energy strategies.