The name natural gas is pretty misleading and can cause some confusion when talking about green and unsafe fuels. The unsafe ones are the dirty fossil fuels in the ground, and the green ones are the clean natural sources. So, where does this put natural gas? It may be naturally occurring, but it’s still a hazardous, non-renewable energy source similar to coal and oil. The country would be better off without and would benefit from more renewable sources like solar. Here are some of the dangers of using natural gas in Massachusetts and some of the benefits of turning to solar instead.
Natural Gas In Massachusetts
Natural gas is widely used across America via a series of extraction sites and pipelines. Homes and businesses can have the fuel transported straight to their home for heating and cooking. In fact, EIA stats from November 2023 show that about 52% of Massachusetts’ households used natural gas for home heating. Beyond that, 27% relied on petroleum products and 18% on electricity. The report also shows that the LNG terminal in Everett, Massachusetts, received an impressive 82% of the nation’s total imports in 2022. While this is a worryingly high number, it is lower than the previous year. Natural gas is simply a normal and expected way of life here. It doesn’t have to be, however, and some are coming around to the dangers.
The Dangers Of Natural Gas
If so many people still use natural gas in Massachusetts and across the United States, what’s the problem with it? The bottom line here is that as effective as these gas pipelines are, they still carry a dirty fossil fuel. That fuel and the carbon emissions associated with its use will only contribute to the current climate crisis. To make matters worse, the generation of natural gas power through drilling also leads to additional methane gasses. These can trap heat considerably at lower levels than carbon.
The act of drilling for gas and creating these pipelines also means significant disruption to the natural landscape. The amount of land needed and the physical destruction can displace species and ruin habitats. When this goes unchecked, there’s the risk that some species could see significant declines in population numbers. The loss of natural landscapes is already a serious problem in America. We think of this nation as being vast and full of wide open deserts and prairies, but a growing human population and its needs have seen these habitats suffer.
A final concern with natural gas regards the use and contamination of water. It takes a lot of water to run operations dedicated to drilling for natural gas. That amount of waste is felt now more than ever with the amount of drought experienced. The chemicals involved in natural gas production can also lead to contaminated water runoff, which poisons water supplies.
Switching To Solar Power In Massachusetts
With so many dangers in the use of fossil fuels generally, not just in the use of all this natural gas, Massachusetts homeowners need a better alternative. Renewable energy is the way forward for a greener future with fewer emissions. Many forms take advantage of sustainable energy sources, and some are more practical than others. Solar is the best choice in Massachusetts. The potential for green energy generation is higher than ever with improvements in solar panels and energy storage.
The same stats from the EIA show that 22% of Massachusetts in-state net generation of energy came from solar sources. While this may not sound that high compared to the stats for gas and other fossil fuels, it does show progress. The state ranked 8th for solar net generation that year and accounted for 61% of New England’s solar energy. There are two takeaways here. First, there’s the sense that The rest of New England has some catching up to do. Second, it shows that if you give people the chance to benefit from solar in this state, they will take it.
The Benefits Of Switching To Solar Power
The biggest benefit of switching to Massachusetts solar power for power generation, storage, and heating is the environmental impact. Some critics dislike solar panels because of the way they look or argue that large solar farms ruin natural landscapes. However, the impact is far lower than with natural gas operations. Animals can still live, gaze, and shelter beneath the panels. There is no extensive damage to the landscape and its structure through drilling or pollutants in the air or water. There are also none of the same greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change. As more homes and businesses favor solar over grid energy and abandon gas pipes for heating, they can help bring an end to the industry and do their part for the planet.
It is also worth noting that there are some financial benefits on top of these environmental ones. Some people who like the idea of switching to solar may be reluctant, out of fear that it will be too costly. They think about the expense of buying and installing panels on their property and the extra costs of battery storage to hold the power. While it’s true that there are some significant short-term costs, they might not be as bad as you think. The costs of panels and installation services have decreased as the option becomes more competitive and widespread. Furthermore, you can take advantage of government incentives to lower costs further. There is the potential for federal tax credits and state-specific rebates. Therefore, these panels will eventually pay for themselves.
Choose Solar For A Bright Future
Solar power is the best option for cleaner energy in America, and the growth in its use in Massachusetts is encouraging. Still, there is a long way to go. Natural gas is still far too widespread in America, and the planet continues to suffer as a result. A reduction in reliance on natural gas and other fossil fuels will help in the fight against climate change. Switching to solar is a great step in the right direction.
