About Natural Gas
Natural gas is a combustible, gaseous mixture of simple hydrocarbons, usually found deep underground. Natural gas is a fossil fuel made up mostly of methane, but does contain small amounts of other gases, like ethane, propane, butane and pentane. Methane is composed of a molecule of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.

Natural gas is used by homes, businesses and industries. More than half of all homes in the United States heat with natural gas. Natural gas is also used to make electric power and for cooling, and as a transportation fuel. Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel, producing primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor. Other fossil fuels are coal and oil, which together with natural gas, account for about 88 percent of U.S. energy consumption.

Scientists think that natural gas was formed millions of years ago when plants and tiny sea animals were buried by sand and rock. Layers of mud, sand, rock and plant and animal matter continued to build up until the pressure and heat from the earth turned them into petroleum and natural gas.

Here are some helpful links to learn more about natural gas and energy conservation:

• U.S. Department of Energy*
• Energy Information Administration*
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission*
• American Gas Association*
• RISE Engineering*

Here's some energy conservation links:

• Energy Star*
• Alliance to Save Energy*
• American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy*
• U.S. Department of Energy; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network*
• Consumer Research Council: A Consumers Guide to buying Energy Efficient Products for the Home*

* Please note that by using these links, you will be leaving our website. Please review our Privacy Policy for more information.

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