The Texas Public Utility Commission has received 72 applications for funding via the Texas Energy Fund’s “In-ERCOT Generation Loan Program.” The applications request $24.41 billion to fund 38,379 megawatts (MW) of planned dispatchable electricity generation projects in the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region. The In-ERCOT Generation Loan Program, is one of four Texas…...
Recent policy and regulatory measures concerning competitive retail electricity markets are increasingly focused on enhancing oversight and transparency. New state actions strive to…Read the full report…...
Recent policy and regulatory measures concerning competitive retail electricity markets are increasingly focused on enhancing oversight and transparency. New state actions strive to strengthen these markets with improved regulatory oversight and consumer protections to prevent unsavory practices by competitive suppliers.
Join The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Innovation Webinar Join the “ Innovation Webinar: Unearthing Opportunities: Advances in Networked Geothermal Systems to Meet Today’s Customer Heating Needs” which will be hosted by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm ET. Speakers will…...
The U.S. Energy Department on July 24 announced the selection of 20 projects across 16 states to obtain up to $371 million to support the expansion of a reliable and resilient electricity grid. The funding will expedite the permitting of high voltage, interstate transmission projects and support community infrastructure initiatives along major new power lines…
DetailsThe Michigan Public Service Commission approved a settlement agreement authorizing Consumers Energy Company to raise its natural gas distribution rates by about $35 million, effective Oct. 1, 2024. The amount approved is significantly lower than the $136 million that the utility initially requested. Under the agreement, Consumers Energy will receive a rate of return of…...
European natural gas usage has been on a downward trend since mid-2022, according to a July 23 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The decline in natural gas usage can be attributed to lower demand due to milder winters and government policies directed at reducing gas usage. Natural gas usage across Europe declined…...
The average gas price in California has decreased by 78 cents per gallon during the last three months, according to the California Energy Commission. The decrease is attributed to the California Gas Price Gouging and Transparency Law, SBX 1-2, which took effect in June 2023. The law enhances transparency by exposing price manipulation in real…...
The New York State Public Service Commission on July 18 finalized gas and electric rate plans for Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation for the period commencing July 1, 2024 until June 30, 2025. The commission approved a total increase in electric and gas revenues of $79.3 million, well below the $181 million that the…...
A growing number of utility regulators across U.S. states are reviewing natural gas planning strategies to consider the effects of decarbonization and electrification policies on the gas system. Amid shifting policy and changing market conditions, regulators are exploring…Read the full report …...
A growing number of utility regulators across U.S. states are reviewing natural gas planning strategies to consider the effects of decarbonization and electrification policies on the gas system. Amid shifting policy and changing market conditions, regulators are exploring new tools to evaluate gas infrastructure investments.
Join The Energy Bar Association 2024 Recent SCOTUS Cases and Energy Enforcement Energizer Join the Energy Bar Association’s Compliance and Enforcement Steering Committee for a timely discussion on “Recent SCOTUS Cases and Energy Enforcement” on July 30 from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm EDT in Washington, DC, or virtually. A panel of experts, who have…...
Pairing residential solar installations with battery storage has been increasing in California, according to a July 18 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As of April 2024, over 50 percent of residential solar photovoltaic installations were paired with battery storage, in comparison to around 20 percent during October 2023. Excess solar generated at…...
New York Governor Kathy Hochul on July 17 announced the start of construction of the 924-megawatt Sunrise Wind, which would be the state’s largest offshore wind project. Governor Hochul also announced the launch of the fifth offshore wind solicitation, building on a 10-point action plan issued last October to support the growing large-scale renewable industry…....
U.S. production capacity for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could rise from approximately 2,000 barrels per day (b/d) to around 30,000 b/d during 2024, if all planned capacity additions become operational, according to a July 17 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. SAF is an alternative to petroleum jet fuel and is formed from…...
The quantity of coal transported across the U.S. declined by eight percent during 2023, according to a July 16 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S. coal deliveries have declined over the last two decades, due to coal’s declining share of power in the generation mix. The quantity of coal transported to power…...
Energy trade value between the U.S. and Mexico declined by around 15 percent during 2023 compared to 2022, according to a July 15 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The energy trade value between the two nations during 2023 was recorded at $66.5 billion, adjusted for inflation. Energy trade value largely depends on…...
The California Energy Commission has adopted a strategic plan that charts a course to meet the state’s offshore wind planning goal of 25 gigawatts (GW) by 2045. The move is in response to legislation enacted in 2021 directing the commission to coordinate with other agencies as needed and develop a strategic plan for offshore wind…...
The growing interest in carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects to address atmospheric emissions has drawn attention to the crucial role of pipelines in transporting carbon dioxide (CO2) to sequestration sites, highlighting concerns over safety issues. CCS involves the capture of CO2 from the…Read the full report …...
The growing interest in carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects to address atmospheric emissions has drawn attention to the crucial role of pipelines in transporting carbon dioxide (CO2) to sequestration sites, highlighting concerns over safety issues. CCS involves the capture of CO2 from the emissions of industrial processes before they are released into the atmosphere for storage in subsurface geological formations.
The U.S. Energy Department has announced $1.7 billion to support the renovation of 11 closed or at-risk auto manufacturing facilities across eight states to manufacture electric vehicles and their supply chain. The selected facilities are located in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia. The funding will help create and retain well paying…...
NARUC Staff Subcommittee on Accounting and Finance Fall 2024 Conference Join the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Staff Subcommittee on Accounting and Finance Fall 2024 conference at Hyatt Place Indianapolis/Downtown, Indianapolis, IN. Open Session: Sept 9-11, 2024 Closed Sessions: Sept 8 at 7 p.m. & Sept 12, 2024 (morning) The conference aims to…...
Global Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) trade rose by 3.1 percent year-on-year during 2023 to an average of 52.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), according to a July 11 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The increase in LNG trade can be attributed to rising natural gas demand and increased infrastructure capability to…...
The U.S. Energy Department has selected two U.S. retail companies, Staples and Batteries Plus, to receive about $7 million each for a large-scale consumer battery recycling program. The program will create over 1,000 drop-off sites for consumers to turn in old batteries and battery-containing devices and reduce e-waste. The recycling project seeks to recover old…...
A new report released by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority states that several factors such as global inflation and high interest rates are hindering the state’s ability to reach 70 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The draft version of New York’s Clean Energy Standard, or CES, Biennial…...
The enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, has unleashed billions in federal funding for theenergy sector. These include…Read the full report …...
NARUC Staff Subcommittee on Accounting and Finance – Webinar on Alternative Ratemaking Join the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Staff Subcommittee on Accounting and Finance webinar on alternative ratemaking scheduled on August 9. This webinar is to aid participants in acquiring and understanding knowledge relevant to alternative rate regulation being proposed, evaluated, and…...
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has accepted integrated distribution plans, or IDPs, filed by Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, Dakota Electric Association and Otter Tail Power. The IDPs examine the utilities’ current and future distribution projects and expenditure for their systems. The acceptance of the plans ensures the utilities are planning for the reliability, safety, security…...
The enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, has unleashed billions in federal funding for the
energy sector. These include infrastructure improvements, clean energy deployment, transportation electrification, grid reliability, energy efficiency, and cyber security. Regulators across U.S. states have opened dockets requesting reports on utility actions or initiated proceedings to gather comments on utility opportunities.
U.S. energy consumption declined one percent year-on-year during 2023 to 94 quadrillion British thermal units (quads), according to a July 3 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Fossil fuels, which consist of coal, natural gas and petroleum accounted for around 83 percent of total U.S. energy consumption. Non fossil fuels, which consist of…...
Average weekly U.S. gasoline prices have lost 19 cents per gallon (gal) in value since the 2024 high recorded on April 22 to $3.48/gal on July 1, according to a July 2 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The price decline can be attributed to rising gasoline stocks, relatively subdued demand and comparatively…...
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on July 1 issued its final approval for the construction and operation of Avangrid’s New England Wind 1 and 2 projects. The two projects would have a total capacity of 2.6 gigawatts (GW) and have the potential to power over 900,000 households every year. The approval follows the bureau’s…...
Electricity demand increased in the eastern and midwestern region of the U.S due to a heatwave, according to a July 1 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Demand across the Eastern interconnection hit a high of 502,670 megawatts (MW) during a single hour on June 21, in comparison to an hourly June peak…...
Advanced nuclear solutions are garnering broad support with a slate of initiatives including funding research, developing regulatory frameworks, and planning or constructing advanced reactors. The ability of nuclear energy to produce carbon-free power is increasingly considered…Read the full report…...
Advanced nuclear solutions are garnering broad support with a slate of initiatives including funding research, developing regulatory frameworks, and planning or constructing advanced reactors. The ability of nuclear energy to produce carbon-free power is increasingly considered critical for decarbonizing the power sector to fight climate change while ensuring a reliable electricity supply.
Growth in commercial electricity demand during 2023 was more evident in states going through speedy development of large-scale computing facilities such as data centers, according to a June 28 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Electricity consumption across the U.S. commercial sector has improved since the COVID 19 pandemic, with yearly U.S. electricity…...
Join The 2024 Energy Bar Association YLC Summer Intern Reception An intern’s summer experience often shapes whether they pursue a career in energy law. Join the Energy Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Council for a special evening to welcome their summer interns. The reception will take place on July 24, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm…...
The Department of Energy awarded $63 million to support the commercialization of four transformative energy technologies. The funding is through the Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential, also known as SCALEUP. This marks the third cohort of projects selected under the program. The SCALEUP initiative provides new funding to previous Advanced…...
U.S. energy production rose 4 percent to a record high of around 103 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) during 2023, according to a June 26 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Moreover, U.S. energy consumption declined by 1 percent to 94 quads during 2023. Production surpassed consumption during 2023 by a record 9…...
Electric utilities are increasingly using batteries to move electricity from periods of low prices to periods of high prices, a strategy known as arbitrage, according to a June 25 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Utilities state that arbitrage is the most common use case of battery storage with 10,487 MW of battery…...
The New York State Public Service Commission has approved a $64.59 million settlement agreement resolving an ongoing investigation into Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation’s billing system failures. This settlement could increase by another $2 million if the company fails to implement monthly meter readings on time. A more detailed breakdown of the settlement revealed…...
Constellation Energy has shut down its Mystic Generating Station, a natural gas-fired power plant located in Massachusetts. Mystic is one of the nation’s oldest power plants that has supplied electricity to the Boston area since the 1940s, according to a June 24 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The company retired the Mystic plant…...
The U.S. Senate approval of President Biden’s three nominees to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) brings the agency to its full complement of five commissioners. The move comes as FERC is considering key issues including…Read the full report …...
The U.S. Senate approval of President Biden's three nominees to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) brings the agency to its full complement of five commissioners. The move comes as FERC is considering key issues including those pertaining to electric reliability and transmission rules, liquefied natural gas export projects, natural gas pipelines, and energy markets.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has launched the eighth annual round of solicitation for large-scale renewable energy projects in the state. Expanding on New York’s 10-Point Action Plan, the new projects will advance the state’s goal of generating 70 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. The solicitations will be managed by the New…...
Join the Energy Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Council for a free virtual seminar titled “Ask Me Anything: A Career in Energy Law” on July 11 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. This session allows young professionals and students to ask energy attorneys about their careers and build connections in the energy community. For more information,…...
The U.S. Senate last week approved President Biden’s three nominees to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) bringing the agency to its full complement of five commissioners. Industry and clean energy groups welcomed the move saying that a fully staffed commission is crucial to address challenges posed by an aging electric grid, the…...
The utilization of coal in the electricity generation mix in the PJM Interconnection region has declined over the last 10 years, due largely to higher relative fuel costs, according to a June 17 report published by the U.S. Energy Information. Competitive pressure from other energy sources, particularly natural gas has led to lower coal utilization…...
Regulatory developments are shaping the trajectory of carbon markets amid mixed outcomes in recent allowance auctions. California, Quebec, and Washington are considering a shared carbon market highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle…Read the full report …...
Regulatory developments are shaping the trajectory of carbon markets amid mixed outcomes in recent allowance auctions. California, Quebec, and Washington are considering a shared carbon market highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle climate change, while Pennsylvania lawmakers have proposed a state-specific cap-and-invest program.
Join The 2024 NARUC Summer Policy Summit Join NARUC’s highly anticipated Summer Policy Summit from July 14 to 17, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. This premier event will convene utility regulators, industry professionals, and policymakers to discuss pressing issues and innovative solutions in the energy sector. For more information, visit the NARUC website EnerKnol…...
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority announced two agreements to explore the potential renewable energy development on underutilized sites in the Southern Tier and Western New York through its Build Ready program. The first site is in the area surrounding Ithaca Tompkins International Airport and the second site is the Witmer Road…...
Monthly residential electric bills this summer (June through August) are projected to average $173 in the U.S., marginally higher than last summer’s average of $168, according to a June 13 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency projects increased electricity usage this summer due to the expectation of higher temperatures this summer…....
The Maryland Public Service Commission has approved a rate increase of $44.6 million for Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco), which translates to an estimated electric bill increase of $5.72 per month for the average residential customer. The commission approved a significantly lower amount than the company’s initial request and authorized rate changes for only one…...
Tensions in the Middle East have led to trade disruptions through the Red Sea and increased crude oil and oil product flows around the Cape of Good Hope, which is located at the southern tip of Africa, according to a June 11 report published by the U.S. Energy Information. The quantity of crude oil and…...
Construction began on June 10 to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) in New York City into what would be the nation’s largest offshore wind port, according to a press release from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The facility will serve as the operations and maintenance hub for Empire…...
Electricity supply shortage could occur if demand during peak periods is higher than projected or if electricity supply produced is lower than anticipated, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corporations (NERC) 2024 Summer Reliability Assessment. The U.S. Energy Information Administration issued an analysis on June 10, highlighting the findings of the assessment. The continental…...
New and expanded federal tax credits, along with funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All residential program, have set the stage for further growth in the community solar industry. Several states have taken action to…Read the full report …...
New and expanded federal tax credits, along with funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All residential program, have set the stage for further growth in the community solar industry. Several states have taken action to establish or expand community solar programs. Also known as shared solar, community solar allows multiple energy customers to participate in projects that are remotely located and receive credits to lower their electricity bill.
Join NARUC’s “Innovation Webinar: Hydropower: Regulatory Strategies to Enhance Hydro’s Contribution to Resilience and Reliability” to learn how regulators and state energy officials are finding ways to ensure that hydro can continue providing value to the evolving electric system. For more information, visit the NARUC website About the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)…...
The U.S. Energy Department on June 6 announced $45 million from the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant, or RLF, program to five states and the District of Columbia. The program, supported by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, offers funds that allow states and territories to make available loans and subsidies to…...
Developers plan to expand U.S. hydrogen production employing technologies that make use of electricity, according to a June 6 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The use of planned electrolyzer installations would shift hydrogen production away from its traditional reliance on hydrocarbon feedstocks towards the usage of electricity to produce hydrogen from water…....
The average price of U.S. natural gas declined during 2023 compared to 2022 and became less volatile, according to a June 4 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Price volatility increased during 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the cessation of Russian pipelined gas to Europe. The Russian invasion of Ukraine,…...
The California Public Utilities Commission has expanded and enhanced the state’s current community solar programs and introduced a new community renewable energy initiative, enabling access to a wider range of consumers. These changes will allow California to take advantage of state and federal funding including the $7 billion Solar for All program funded by the…...
Join The 2024 NASEO-NARUC-NASUCA Southeast Regional Equity Roundtable Join the NASEO-NARUC-NASUCA Southeast Regional Equity Roundtable: Equity Considerations in Electricity Planning and Policy The fifth in a series of regional roundtables will take place soon, focusing on electricity planning and policy through an equity lens. This in-person workshop will bring together State Energy Offices, public utility…...
Even as transportation electrification expands to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, states across the U.S. are examining policies to harness the benefits of vehicle-to-grid functionality. The ability of electric vehicles (EVs) to inject…Read the full report …...
Even as transportation electrification expands to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, states across the U.S. are examining policies to harness the benefits of vehicle-to-grid functionality. The ability of electric vehicles (EVs) to inject power from their batteries into the grid has the potential to optimize charging and mitigate grid impacts.
The U.S. Energy Department on May 30 announced New York as the first state in the U.S. to initiate their Home Energy Rebates Program established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA. The launch is part of a wider national initiative to deliver $8.8 billion in federal funding for states, territories and tribes to…...
U.S. natural gas usage for power generation during summer 2024 is forecast to reach close to the record volume consumed last year, according to a May 30 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency projects that U.S. natural gas usage for power generation will average 44.7 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd)…...
The Biden administration has launched a new initiative to address the challenges and opportunities faced by the power grid in the 21st century. The initiative, Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative, is a collaboration with 21 states, federal agencies, and stakeholders to facilitate quick and cost-effective adaptation of the power grid. Participating states will strive to…...
The Biden administration on May 28 announced a policy statement and new principles to develop high-integrity voluntary carbon markets, or VCMs, that can unlock private capital to drive decarbonization efforts. The move is intended to support the responsible development of VCMs with “guardrails in place,” so that the market is equipped to spur credible climate…...
U.S. biodiesel imports increased twofold during 2023 compared to 2022 and were recorded at 33,000 barrels per day (b/d), according to a May 28 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Moreover, U.S. biodiesel imports continued to increase in the first two months of 2024. Majority of the biodiesel imports come from Germany, whereas…...
Join The 2024 NASEO-NARUC Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings Working Groups Forum Join the upcoming NASEO-NARUC Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings Working Groups Forum on June 11, 2024, from 3-4 PM ET. This forum focuses on industrial demand flexibility and load management strategies to bolster competitiveness, decarbonization, and energy efficiency while supporting the electric grid. For more information, visit…...
Regulators and lawmakers across the U.S. are increasingly exploring the possibilities of deploying virtual power plants (VPPs) as a cost-effective means to provide grid services. VPPs have garnered attention as…Read the full report …...
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has released its annual summer market and reliability report, providing an outlook for energy markets and electric reliability for the period of June-September 2024. The report forecasts warmer-than-average summer temperatures that increase electricity demand and adequate generating availability, although extreme conditions could challenge specific regions. Data center consumption has been…...
Regulators and lawmakers across the U.S. are increasingly exploring the possibilities of deploying virtual power plants (VPPs) as a cost-effective means to provide grid services. VPPs have garnered attention as fossil fuel-fired power plants retire and renewable energy resources continue to grow amid increasing electricity demand.
The U.S. Energy Department’s Office of Petroleum Reserves has announced plans to release one million gas barrels from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve to help lower prices during summer. The department said the initiative is strategically timed to ensure sufficient supply for the tri-state and northeast regions during a period of high demand – between…...
The retail price of regular U.S. gasoline averaged $3.58 per gallon(gal) as of the Monday before Memorial Day, according to a May 23 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The retail price of U.S. gasoline is one percent higher compared to the same period last year. The price increase can be attributed to…...
Meteorologists are predicting a stronger hurricane season this year, which elevates risk for weather associated production disruptions in the U.S. natural gas and oil sectors, according to a May 22 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Reports from AccuWeather are forecasting around 20 to 25 storms this year, with a likelihood of around…...
Electricity consumption from light duty vehicles surpassed that of rail systems in the U.S. in 2023, according to a May 20 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Estimates of electricity consumption in the transport sector for the last five years show rail transport consuming the most electricity until 2022. This change reflects the increasing…...
Hydrogen technology continues to garner interest as an effective tool to support the progress towards net-zero emissions and decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors. Recent developments include…Read the full report…...
Hydrogen technology continues to garner interest as an effective tool to support the progress towards net-zero emissions and decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors. Recent developments include establishing a multi-year program plan to guide hydrogen innovation and selecting a consortium to help accelerate commercial liftoff of the clean hydrogen economy.
Join the Energy Bar Association’s Electricity Steering Committee for their annual half-day event on June 5, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP will host the program and will feature educational sessions and a keynote speaker, followed by a reception. For more information, visit the…...
U.S. President Joe Biden has signed legislation banning uranium imports from the Russian Federation, and to boost the domestic nuclear industry. The legislation, titled Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, will take effect on Aug. 11. In addition to the ban, the U.S. uranium market will receive $2.72 billion in federal funding to expand uranium enrichment…
DetailsHourly natural gas fired power generation in Texas rose to 49.4 gigawatts (GW) for the hour starting 7pm on Jan. 16, 2024, according to a May 16 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This was one percent more than the preceding winter high of 48.8 GW recorded on December 23,2022 and around four…...
The share of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles across the U.S. declined to 18 percent of total new light duty vehicle sales in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2024 compared to 18.8 percent in the last quarter of 2023, according to a May 14 report published by the…...
Join the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Innovation Webinar – Securing the Spark: Innovations in Proactive Physical Security for Energy Substations on May 30th, 2024, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM Eastern. Explore proactive physical security strategies for energy substations and learn from a compelling case study showcasing successful implementations. Gain valuable insights into…...
The notion that natural gas serves as a transition fuel to a low-carbon future has been challenged by a number of studies indicating that emissions of methane, the primary component of natural gas, significantly contributes to global warming. Methane is 80 times more potent than…Read the full report …...
The notion that natural gas serves as a transition fuel to a low-carbon future has been challenged by a number of studies indicating that emissions of methane, the primary component of natural gas, significantly contributes to global warming. Methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 20-year period.
