Sustainable | AGA 2026 Playbook

Natural gas is essential for a more Sustainable Future

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Sustainable Future

Emissions Reduction Opportunities

AGA’s comprehensive and detailed analysis demonstrates that incorporating gas technologies, infrastructure and strategies is an essential part of achieving economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050.

America’s natural gas industry will be essential to achieve a net-zero emissions future.

See the Study
Large blue pipelines supported by a dark metal structure against a clear blue sky.
Large blue pipelines supported by a dark metal structure against a clear blue sky.

The Path Forward

  • Energy Efficiency and Improved Energy Management
  • Advanced Gas End-use Technologies
  • Renewable Gases
  • Methane Mitigation Technologies and Strategies
  • Negative Emissions Technologies
  • Infrastructure Modernization
  • Workforce Development

Increase since 1990

Since 1990, the miles of natural gas mains made of more modern materials has more than tripled.

As little as 0.1%

Local distribution systems release as little as 0.1% of the natural gas they deliver.

Emissions from the natural gas distribution system have declined 70% since 1990.

Upgrading our nation’s pipeline network has both enhanced safety and contributed significantly to a declining trend in emissions.

Whole-home emissions based on EnergyStar-rated equipment
where applicable for heating, water, cooking and drying.

Lower Emissions

Carbon dioxide emissions from homes using natural gas for space and water heating, cooking and clothes drying are 22% lower than those attributable to an all-electric home.

Lower Emissions

Efficient gas equipment is expected to cut home greenhouse gas emissions up to 40% by 2040.

More Families Heat With Natural Gas

Families choose natural gas heat pumps over electric heat pumps at a ratio of 4 to 1.

A woman crouching in a sunlit garden, holding a toddler in a white outfit, while a fluffy dog stands nearby.

0 %

Decline in Carbon Emissions

Carbon emissions from the average home using natural gas decline 1.1% per year.

A woman crouching in a sunlit garden, holding a toddler in a white outfit, while a fluffy dog stands nearby.

$0M

Per Day

In the U.S., natural gas utilities invest $3.89 million per day in energy efficiency programs to help customers install tighter-fitting windows and doors, upgrade insulation and purchase more efficient natural gas appliances.

0M

Natural gas utilities saved 371 million therms of energy through energy efficiency programs in 2023, the same savings as removing 457,871 gasoline-powered cars from the road.

AGA’s Climate Change Position Statement

The American Gas Association is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through smart innovation, new and modernized infrastructure, and advanced technologies that maintain reliable, resilient and affordable energy service choices for customers.

www.aga.org/climate

Natural gas utilities saved 371 million therms of energy through energy efficiency programs in 2023, the same savings as removing 457,871 gasoline-powered cars from the road.

Emissions Reductions

Emissions from the power sector have declined 61% due to increased use of natural gas for electricity generation.

0 year lows

Natural gas efficiency and the growth of renewable energy have led to energy-related carbon dioxide emissions hitting 40-year lows.

Safe Innovation