(Washington, DC) – The Natural Allies Leadership Council, including former Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), former Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH), former Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL) and former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, issued the following statement regarding the recent decision in Germany to reactivate coal-fired power plants:
“As temperatures begin to drop this fall, it is crucial to recognize the role natural gas will play in keeping our homes warm and our lights on this winter. Amidst the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, officials in Germany have decided to bring three mothballed coal plants back online. This is an example of what happens if you move too quickly, and not enough secure and reliable natural gas is available to meet the energy needs of a clean energy economy.
It is only through a balanced and diverse approach – natural gas partnered with renewable energy – that we can both meet our energy needs and reduce carbon emissions. The United States and its allies deserve great recognition for ramping up liquefied natural gas (LNG) to stabilize their energy situation amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Europe and the United States should increase their efforts to connect renewables and natural gas, to provide not only a cost-effective, but a cleaner, lower emissions future for everyone.
Record levels of coal are burning worldwide, especially in China, India, and the rest of Asia, and it is more important than ever to invest in domestic infrastructure that can move natural gas where it’s needed here at home and around the world. Natural gas is low carbon, low cost, and highly reliable, helping modern society meet its energy needs, even during times of peak demand.
As the Leadership Council of Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future, we implore leaders from both parties to recognize this as an opportunity to invest in cleaner sources of energy, like natural gas, to make meaningful change on the path to reducing global carbon emissions. Utilizing natural gas, partnered with renewables, is the most pragmatic solution to help us reach our climate goals affordably and reliably.”
###
About Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future
Natural Allies is a 501c4 not for profit organization that seeks to better inform the public and policy makers about why natural gas is best partnered with renewable power sources to accelerate our clean energy goals. Among the industry leaders supporting Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future are: The Williams Companies, Kinder Morgan, TC Energy, EQT, National Fuel Gas, Enbridge Inc., Solar Turbines a Caterpillar Company, Quanta Services, Inc., the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Union of Operating Engineers, Pipe Line Contractors Association, American Pipeline Contractors Association, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), INGAA Foundation and American Public Gas Association (APGA). To learn more visit: naturalalliesforcleanenergy.org.