Expanded natural gas use can improve the environment, economy, and ratepayer security

This paper briefly compares the advantages of natural gas to other readily available fuel sources in terms of environmental quality, costs, and energy source reliability. It compares emission quality, plant construction costs, and projected prices of natural gas as compared to coal. It then briefly discusses the implications of the North American free trade agreements which should provide a regionally secure source of natural gas. It goes on to discuss the potential impacts of new environmental legislation on carbon intensive fuels such as coal and how this will make natural gas even more attractive in the future. The paper also briefly discusses advances in technology in areas of drilling and extraction, advanced fuel cells, heating and cooling systems, and water heating. The paper is in a presentation format rather than a continuous narrative