Keeping Natural Gas Available And Affordable (NAPSA)—When it comes to supplying energy, gas is a natural. Natural gas is critical to the economy. It provides 24 percent of the energy consumed in the U.S.—more than coal and nuclear, and it’s second only to petroleum—say experts at the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA). Maintaining, improving and repairing the pipelines that deliver natural gas without delay will save Americans billions of dollars. This was a key message in a recent report on America’s natural gas pipeline and storage infrastructure sponsored by INGAA. According to the association, a two year delay in needed pipeline expansions could cost Americans as much as $200 billion. Project cancellations could be even more costly, posing a potential threat to economic security. That’s because without a reliable source of natural gas, businesses will not undertake projects, labor will not be hired and materials will not be purchased—all of which could negatively affect the economy. Millions of jobs depend on affordable andreliable supplies of natural gas. People and businesses rely on natural gas for heating their homes, cooking their food, generating electric power and for manufacturing chemicals andfertilizers. Underground pipelines crisscrossing America are used to transport gas from producing areas to the people who need it. These pipelines, although not alwaysvisible, provide a constant, reliable supply of energy. To meet Millions of jobs depend on affordable and reliable supplies of natural gas. the increased demand, here’s what experts say must happen: The industry must expand production and development in regions such as the Rocky Mountains, the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska and northern Canada, as well as increase imports from other regionsof the globe. These options will require new pipelines to deliver additional supplies. To meet the growing demand there needs to be more support from concerned citizens. A new partnership of consumers, elected officials and industry leaders could help ensure that America continues to receive the energy supplies it needs to keep the econ- omy growing. If you have an opinion about this or other issues, you can share it with your elected officials at www.house.gov or www.senate.gov. You can also write to them at Untied States House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515 or United States Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.ingaa.org.
