Natural gas is indeed a significant source of electricity generation in the United States, accounting for about one-third of the electricity produced. When burned, natural gas emits carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. While it is often considered cleaner than coal—since it emits less CO2 per unit of energy produced—its overall contribution to CO2 emissions can be substantial, especially given that it accounted for a large percentage (68%) of the CO2 emissions from electricity generation.
The shift towards natural gas has been part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on coal, which emits more CO2 and other pollutants. However, the increased use of natural gas has led to concerns about methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that can occur during extraction, transport, and storage of natural gas.
Transitioning towards renewables like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power is crucial for further reducing carbon emissions from the electricity sector and addressing climate change effectively.