Natural gas, when burned (whether in a flare, or to fuel a household oven), typically emits just half the planet-warming greenhouse gases that coal does. But by flaring off natural gas, rather than capturing it for use, companies are creating pollution without creating usable energy. Many companies do directly drill for and capture natural gas for use. Research has shown that methane emissions from oil and gas production are far larger than previously estimated. Image Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, said of natural gas: “The value of it is very minimal.

Source: New York Times September 12, 2020 13:07 UTC