Natural Gas: Energy, Economics and the Envronment

Thank you to Jack Gregg, of EVUIS, who has helped us track the on-going story of gas leaks from pipes buried under cities around the world.  Here is a great update from Boston:

Lost and Unaccounted Natural Gas: Energy, Economics, and Environment

"University researchers and partners have found hundreds of natural gas leaks in Greater Boston having conducted a mobile greenhouse gas audit earlier this year. At the same time, environmental and economic costs of lost and unaccounted gas from extraction in rural areas are coming under increasing scrutiny. Such gas leaks contribute to greenhouse warming potential; amounts to about $2 billion per year in US lost revenue; and have been implicated in damage and mortality of the urban and suburban forest canopy. Evidence indicates that the situation in Boston is likely similar to cities and towns across the nation.

The purpose of this workshop is to explore and create awareness around “the unknown” – the extent – the cause – the locations – the how – of these methane gas leaks; to explore rural- urban environmental and economic interdependencies surrounding the natural gas resource and industry; and develop a consensus on a research strategy to address these findings. Leaders from government, research, citizens, utilities and private sector will gather to share information and brainstorm next steps."

Clearly, this story cuts to the heart of the business side of green, our focus:  lost revenue, contribution to greenhouse warming, and the destruction of our urban and suburban forest canopy.  What is the financial balance between finding and fixing these leaks, and that costs, versus leaving them as is?  Can we come together and capture these gases into proper use while stopping the pernicious leaking of gas into our city's neighborhoods?

We will focus a show on this story but, in the meantime, stay tuned for updates.

We'd love to hear your comments.