Massachusetts is already taking steps to protect its future generations by safeguarding the environment through its energy decisions. Natural gas, consumed by over 1.6 million customers in Massachusetts, is the cleaner, more affordable energy choice on which Bay Staters rely.
With over 63,000 jobs related to natural gas in-state, and almost $8 billion in added value to Massachusetts’ economy, the economic impact of this industry provides assurance that this sustainable option for households, employers and businesses can continue to work for the state’s environment, just as much as it works for its people.
Massachusetts’ economy pairs well with natural gas.
In 2015 alone, Massachusetts saw over 63,000 jobs related to natural gas within the state. Those jobs support manufacturing industries in paper, chemicals, food and mineral production, representing 72 percent of industrial demand in Massachusetts.
The natural gas industry also supported a $3 billion economic investment from the infrastructure and production industries, derived from hardworking employees across the state who earned almost $2 billion in labor income. From handling natural gas distribution to professionals specializing in machinery repair and maintenance, these workers are dedicated to the growth and development of clean, natural gas solutions in Massachusetts.
Natural gas supports the Bay State.
Natural gas opens doors to various industry sectors to meet a growing demand. Distribution, repair and maintenance, retail, manufacturing, construction, and generation have all seen room for growth, and room to better provide for Massachusetts communities.
As a truly valuable resource across the state of Massachusetts, natural gas powers homes, the state economy, employment and businesses. In fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, when winter comes, half of households in Massachusetts rely on natural gas as their primary energy source for home heating. It’s a booming business that never loses sight of neighborhood needs.
Natural gas helps protect Massachusetts’ environment.
Natural gas can dramatically reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. For example, when used to generate electricity, natural gas produces half the CO2 emissions of coal. As the use of natural gas by electricity-generating plants has increased, power sector CO2 emission levels are at their lowest levels in nearly 30 years.
In fact, natural gas can have such a profound impact on emissions that the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that switching to natural gas accounted for almost two-thirds of the CO2 emission reductions from 2006 to 2014. And the environmental benefits associated with natural gas go well beyond CO2 reductions. Greater use of natural gas in power generation will also reduce NOx, SO2, PM, acid gasses, Hg and non-Hg heavy metal emissions. From salt-water fishing at Cape Cod to hiking in the Berkshires, Massachusetts has a natural legacy that natural gas understands the need to preserve.