Potential Gas Demand Increases through Changes in Environmental Regulations

NATURAL GAS SUPPLY ASSOCIATION

805 15th Street N.W., Suite 510
Washington, D.C. 20005

Potential Gas Demand Increases through Changes in Environmental Regulations

The Natural Gas Supply Association has developed the following estimates of increased demand possible through changes in current environmental regulations:

From New Source Review reform, an additional 360 to 565 billion cubic feet per year in the 1996-2005 timeframe.
From New Source Performance Standards, an additional 317 to 460 bcf/year in the same timeframe.
From emissions trading systems, an additional 300-500 bcf/year between 1996 and 2005.
From fuel-neutral regulation of nitrogen oxides (NOx), an additional 245 to 335 bcf/year between 1997 and 2003.
From integrated utility air regulations, an additional 700-1400 bcf/year between 1996 and 2010.

These potential savings aggregate to 1,000 to 2,500 bcf/year--a figure that is not additive of the potential increased demand per regulatory action above. total is reduced to accommodate overlapping regulations and the fact that regulatory actions are likely to affect fuel choice and consumption patterns.

NGSA also examined the potential effects of the Association's efforts on air toxics emissions from exploration and production activities and on proposed regulations to mandate the building of NGV fueling infrastructure in the Northeast. It estimated that success on these fronts could save the industry up to $2.6 billion between 1996 and 2010.

This page was placed October 6, 1996, last updated August 31, 1997.