As methane concentrations increase in the Earth’s atmosphere, chemical fingerprints point to a probable source: shale oil and gas, according to new Cornell University research published today in Biogeosciences, a journal of the European Geosciences Union.
Methane, Fracked Gas & Climate
Methane (the main component in natural gas) is 100 times as bad for the climate as carbon dioxide over the short term. Less CO2 is emitted by natural gas than by coal when burned. But significant leakage of methane before burning makes gas a disaster for the climate, even as utilities and the gas industry are feverishly promoting fracked gas.
NC WARN is working hard to connect the dots between climate change, methane leakage and the fracking boom that is driven by demand from the electric power industry.
Learn more about our methane work here.
Watch a 3-minute video by Cornell University’s Dr. Robert Howarth describing why natural gas is a disastrous strategy for the climate. More videos, PowerPoints and documentation here.
“Everything You Need to Know About Methane”, a primer by Earthjustice.
Jump to a Subcategory
All News Categories
Environmental activists seek reversal of NC permit for Atlantic Coast Pipeline — WRAL
Environmental activists called on Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration to reconsider a key permit issued for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The North Carolina Climate Solutions Coalition and Friends of the Earth filed a petition to revoke the permit issued last year under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
Duke CEO put on notice: Gas expansion carries extreme financial, climate risks — Letter from NC WARN
This letter from NC WARN to Duke Energy provides new, hopeful and vitally important background about surging energy storage, the demise of fracked gas, and impacts on the climate crisis. Eight pieces of evidence – summarized after the short letter. Note Forbes Magazine citing Duke Energy as a high-risk laggard.
Appeals court vacates key Atlantic Coast Pipeline permit — Associated Press
A U.S. appeals court on Friday tossed out a key permit for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline that deals with the project’s effects on threatened or endangered species, saying a federal agency had apparently “lost sight of its mandate.”
Opposition to pipeline continues — Rocky Mount Telegram
Rocky Mount residents are joining a chorus of statewide voices decrying the proposed interstate natural gas pipeline through Nash County.Anna Lamb, speaking at the most recent City Council meeting, asked the council to reverse course on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, a 42-inch natural gas pipeline planned to run about 600 miles from West Virginia to eastern North Carolina. The council announced support of the pipeline in June 2016.
ACP Would Cost NC $20 Billion, a Cruel Hoax — News Release from Energy Justice NC Coalition
If ever completed, a stalled and controversial fracked gas pipeline would cost North Carolinians over $20 billion due to ongoing cost overruns, make energy bills soar and amplify statewide climate impacts, the Energy Justice NC Coalition told Governor Roy Cooper today.
See coverage by Rocky Mount Telegram
Busting the Gas Bridge Fuel Myth — Oil Change International
If we have a feeling of déjà vu over releasing a report debunking the myth of gas as a bridge fuel, it’s probably because we have done it before. But by using the latest data on carbon budgets and climate goals, clean energy costs, technology advances and policy developments, we are making it clearer than ever: gas is dirty, expensive and unnecessary. In other words, all of the claims of the bridge fuel myth are dangerously misleading.
SENATE BILL 559 — News & Observer
Letter to the Editor by Jim Warren. Duke Energy’s Senate Bill 559 is indeed a Trojan Horse (oped June 1). The bill – which could be worth tens of billions for Duke – is as lousy as the deceptive process pushing it forward.
Mac Legerton: No public need for Atlantic Coast Pipeline projects — Fayetteville Observer
There are many reasons why the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas Facility in Robeson County and the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline are unneeded, highly dangerous and a burden to all ratepayers and consumers of energy in North Carolina.
N.C. should block this Duke Energy power grab — Former VA Attorney General
Key provisions to extend the period of time between utility company rate cases are embedded within N.C. Senate Bill 559, being debated at the N.C. General Assembly. Similar provisions hurt Virginia customers, and will hurt North Carolina customers, too.