Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future

✍️ Hot off the press: The latest edition of the Natural Allies Digest is here! As energy demand rises both at home and abroad, one critical question remains: How can we ensure energy stays clean and affordable, especially for households that are struggling financially? In this issue, Mayor Michael A. Nutter examines the findings of a recent report from PPI, revealing how anti-natural gas policies are driving up energy costs—with the greatest burden falling on communities of color. He shares his thoughts on why natural gas and renewables are pivotal to powering a future that’s affordable, reliable, and sustainable for all. 🎥 Also, don’t miss our first-ever Explainer Video—a quick, engaging look at the reality of today’s energy affordability crisis and how policymakers can bolster access to cleaner energy and reduce costs for low-income households. Read our latest newsletter:

Decarbonizing energy systems at scale isn’t just a goal—it’s a responsibility.   Jim Kerr, President and CEO of Southern Company Gas, shares how the company is taking bold steps to cut emissions across its footprint. From modernizing infrastructure through pipeline replacement to advancing measurement verification and enhancing leak response, Southern Company Gas is paving the way toward a lower-carbon future—while never losing sight of what matters most: keeping energy reliable, accessible, and affordable for the communities they serve.

When it comes to energy, New Yorkers are clear: balance beats extremes.   A new poll from the Empire Center for Public Policy reveals that only 20% of New Yorkers want lawmakers in Albany to promote policies that cut emissions, even if it means higher costs.    Even more telling? Two out of three New Yorkers want a practical path forward—one that balances affordability with sustainability.   That’s where natural gas, paired with renewables, comes in. It’s a realistic, reliable solution that reduces emissions without driving up energy bills for families and businesses.   Explore more key insights from the poll that highlight what New Yorkers really want: a balanced, all-of-the-above energy strategy: https://lnkd.in/egbC5-ub

Affordability is at the heart of ensuring environmental justice in America. In the latest edition of our Natural Allies Digest, Mayor Michael A. Nutter dives into PPI’s study on today’s energy affordability crisis—highlighting how permitting reform and a balanced, all-of-the-above energy strategy can increase access to cleaner energy and reduce costs for underserved communities. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eTgaJ5fp  

On this #MemorialDay, we pause to remember and honor the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom, and we are forever grateful.

How can we reduce CO₂ emissions faster? The answer isn’t just renewables—it’s renewables plus natural gas! A GE Vernova study shows replacing coal with this dynamic duo delivers the fastest path to large-scale carbon reductions: 🌱 Renewables alone: up to 45% reduction in CO₂ emissions ⚡ Renewables + natural gas: up to 78% reduction in CO₂ emissions Learn more on how this pivotal partnership can accelerate our journey to a cleaner, more reliable energy future: https://bit.ly/4d1QJkJ

Did you know? 💡 Only 1 in 650 customers are expected to experience a natural gas outage in any given year. Meanwhile, electric distribution systems average one outage per year per customer. Learn more from the American Gas Association about reliable natural gas: https://lnkd.in/djRN9UaS

All-or-nothing energy policies and regulatory red tape—though often well-intentioned—have backfired on the very communities they were meant to protect, by: ❌ Driving up energy costs ❌ Prolonging dependence on polluting fuels ❌ Delaying new energy projects Discover what it will take to make real progress toward an affordable, reliable, and clean energy future:

A new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) confirms that “nearly all of the natural gas consumed today produces fewer lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than coal”—highlighting the critical role natural gas plays in lowering emissions both here at home and across the globe. “When considering its full lifecycle – including methane and CO2 emissions from supply and CO2 emissions from its combustion – the greenhouse gas emissions intensity of natural gas use is generally much lower than that of coal,” writes IEA. “On average, natural gas results in about 35% fewer emissions than coal, and more than 95% of the natural gas consumed in 2024 had fewer lifecycle emissions than coal.” And while there’s still work to be done, the natural gas industry continues to make meaningful progress in reducing methane emissions. In its 2024 annual report, ONE Future —a coalition that includes several of our member companies—reported a methane intensity of just 0.331%—a 21.3% improvement from the previous year. As we move toward a cleaner future, permitting reform is essential to reducing methane emissions. As the IEA notes when it comes to methane abatement, “in many cases there is no route for bringing captured gas to markets, requiring investment in new infrastructure or means of gas transport.” This highlights the urgent need to expand natural gas infrastructure to support and accelerate our clean energy transition—but permitting reform is critical to making that a reality. Like and share if you agree we need #PermittingReform!

Mayor Michael Nutter’s compelling analysis of PPI’s latest study is a wake-up call for Democratic leaders: Rising energy prices - fueled by rigid, anti-natural gas policies - are hitting working families the hardest, particularly in communities of color.   It’s time to embrace smart permitting reform and a balanced energy strategy that includes both natural gas and renewables.   Read Mayor Nutter’s full perspective in the latest Natural Allies Digest newsletter - and subscribe and follow Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future to stay informed on this critical issue: