Recent federal initiatives to promote unconventional gas: High octane delivery of just hot air?
This paper provides an overview of recent initiatives of the United States which promote greater use of natural gas and unconventional gas as one part of this nations`s larger response to the global warming threat. Measurable increases in greenhouse gas concentrations since the beginning of the industrial revolution have led to the belief in the existence of a global warming problem. The international community has responded to the global warming threat with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which is directed toward the stabilization of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The Climate Change Action Plan is the Clinton Administration`s detailed response to the global warming threat. It is designed to return United States emissions of greenhouse gases to their 1990 levels by the year 2000. The Action Plan targets all greenhouse gases and emphasizes energy efficiency. Significant regulatory reformation designed to increase the efficiency of the natural gas industry has already occurred and will be continued. Recovery of methane emissions from landfills will be encouraged through indentification of suitable sites and use of existing technology and development of new technology. Recovery of methane from coal mining operations will be promoted by targeting 50 of the gassiest mines in the United States. Even if the Action Plan is fully implemented. legitimate questions arise as to whether its goals will be achieved as a result of funding shortfalls.
- Research Organization:
- Alabama Univ., University, AL (United States); Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL (United States); Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC (United States); Mine Safety and Health Administration, Arlington, VA (United States); Alabama Geological Survey, University, AL (United States); USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 106788
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950572--; ON: DE95014457
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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