Officials from Grow America’s Infrastructure Now said last week in Midland the U.S. recorded the largest decrease in carbon dioxide emissions of any country last year because of its transition from coal to natural gas. They participated in a panel discussion with Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance Feb. 20 about Permian Basin’s role in the energy industry. Craig Stevens of GAIN, formerly of the U.S. Department of Energy, said, “Natural gas is the reason CO2 emissions are down in this country.” The availability of natural gas makes it an increasingly popular alternative, according to Stevens.
Data from International Energy Agency show that carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. were down 140 million metric tons (2.9 percent) in 2019 compared to 2018. IEA data show natural gas now accounts for 37 percent of electricity generation. Bill Godsey, geologist and president of Geo Logic Environmental Services, said pipelines are the safest way to transport natural gas.