The Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG) today released the following statement in response to a recent study on life-cycle air emissions conducted by a team of Carnegie Mellon University researchers that mixes current facts with yet-to-be developed coal technologies.
"We commend the Carnegie Mellon researchers for their effort to study the life cycle air emissions of fossil fuels. The authors accurately report that coal-fired power plants produce higher air emissions than natural-gas fueled power plants. They also state the obvious: That natural gas is the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel," said Bill Cooper, CLNG's executive director.
"But the authors' prediction that using LNG for electricity generation could produce more greenhouse gas emissions than coal-fired facilities relies on carbon sequestration technologies that they say will not be feasible for 20 years. They further suggest that the LNG industry should wait to build facilities while coal technologies are being developed. This makes as much sense as putting a starving man on a diet.
"Waiting on the advent of future technology to meet current energy needs is pure fantasy. Americans need energy now. And since we are not producing enough natural gas here at home to meet our nation's ever increasing demand for energy, LNG is an environmentally sound alternative.
"Not only do the authors rely on yet-to-be developed carbon capture technologies, but they also conveniently leave out existing advancements in LNG technologies that improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The authors stumble even further by projecting past LNG emission practices into the future. They do not account for the latest LNG technologies such as modernized fuel efficient tankers and more environmentally-friendly LNG liquefaction plant designs."
CLNG is a coalition of LNG producers, shippers, terminal operators and developers, energy trade associations and natural gas consumers. Its goal is to enhance public education and understanding about LNG by serving as a clearinghouse for LNG information. For more information, visit www.lngfacts.org.