Relying on science, the increased use of natural gas is a health benefit, not a risk. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the United States are at near 20 year lows, thanks to increased use of natural gas. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also cited increased use of natural gas as a driver behind the nearly 14 percent drop in air emissions across the Mid-Atlantic region. Without the increased use of natural gas and implementation of advanced technologies to further reduce the industry’s footprint, these historic gains would have be possible.
That said, we have to keep in mind that natural gas development is an industrial process. When regulations are not followed and wells are not built in accordance with those regulations, then yes, there are risks both to the environment and public health.
