The Source of Natural Gas
Of thermogenic and biogenic (or, more specifically, methanogenic) origins, natural gas is a fossil fuel from deep within the earth’s layers where it is hot and highly pressurized and where it is emitted by embedded matter or from earth layers closer to the surface and where, in its purest form, as mostly comprised of methane, it is contained and formed in/by organic matter and its microorganisms found in marshlands, bog formations, and landfills. That is, as organic matter transforms, for example, in the decomposition process, natural gas is the result.
Natural Gas as a Resource
In and of itself, we might take natural gas for granted, but what is significant about natural gas is that because it has such properties, it is today being considered as the energy source of preference—because it is available, accessible, and comparably clean. That is, for those whom it concerns, natural gas comes mostly from the U.S.; is currently a low-cost alternative (to coal and petroleum/oil, especially, but also to nuclear energy and renewable sources such as wind and sun); and, as many in the industry, in science, and in political realms might attest, is at least a cleaner alternative.
Interesting Facts about Natural Gas
According to authorities looking into what is natural gas as a most beneficial, most viable energy source, several specifics stand out:
- Natural gas meets 25 percent of the U.S.’s energy needs overall, according to American Gas Association president and CEO David Parker
- Around 22 percent of the natural gas used per year is for electricity, according to US News and World Report’s T.K. Grose
- By 2004, there was in the U.S. alone some 24,300 miles of natural gas pipeline both on- and offshore, according to statistics gathered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
- Natural gas produces 50 percent fewer greenhouse gases than coal (according to research by Pro Publica): or, more specifically, natural gas emits less toxic particulate pollution as well as less pollutants such as carbon dioxide—nearly 45 percent less carbon dioxide than coal and nearly 30 percent less carbon dioxide than oil.
Natural Gas is Closest to Home, Most Affordable Energy Option
As many—from politicians to activists to natural gas companies—will contest, natural gas, being domestically plentiful, cheaper to tap/process, and better for the environment than other alternatives, is fast becoming the most preferred choice.
