The oil and gas industry has done more to cut U.S. carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through hydraulic fracturing than the Obama administration’s anti-fossil fuel policies, according to the industry’s top lobbyist.
“We are second to none in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The reduction of CO2 is due to a America’s 21st century energy renaissance driven by fracking,” Jack Gerard, the president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, told reporters at a Tuesday press conference.
“Seventy percent of voters strongly support the role of natural gas in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. America is leading the world in the production of oil and natural gas and in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, which are approaching 20 year lows,” he said.
U.S. CO2 emissions have fallen by 12 percent since their high in 2005 primarily due to fracking, according to reports published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), which is part of the Department of Energy. Natural gas emits about half the CO2 of coal power, and is already cheaper than coal in many locations thanks to fracking.
“Let’s look at the reality of this U.S. model. We are leading the world in CO2 reductions today primarily due to clean burning natural gas which has revolutionized the industry,” Gerard said. “You don’t get to efficient and affordable natural gas by trying to impose over 100 new regulations on the industry. We can have further oil and natural gas development while increasing out environmental protection.”
