NW Natural released a report from Business Wire that a new poll shows that about 3 in 4 voters believe natural gas is essential. In addition, a large majority of voters from counties including Multnomah, Clackamas, Lane, Marion, Washington and Clark are opposed to natural gas bans. The polling was conducted for NW Natural by DHM Research, an independent leading public opinion research firm, showing that 72% of voters oppose banning natural gas for new homes and buildings. The number of voters who share that opinion has increased by 9 percent since the first poll conducted in 2019.

The poll also shows voters are increasingly concerned about power outages, with 81% of respondents saying we need both electricity and natural gas to reliably meet our energy needs.

NW Natural recently released a report that details how important having two systems was during the massive winter storm that impacted the region in January. During the highest energy use hour on Jan. 13, 2024, NW Natural delivered 55% more energy than local electric providers, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, combined.

Over the past five years, public opinion polls in NW Natural’s service territory have shown that voters overwhelmingly reject natural gas bans. It’s a consumer sentiment that has steadily grown as voters’ attention is more focused on what they believe are pressing concerns, such as homelessness.

DHM Research conducted polling from February 7 – March 10, 2024, with voters in NW Natural’s service territory, which includes the Willamette Valley, most of coastal Oregon, Clark County, Washington, and the Columbia Gorge. The service territory results are scientifically valid and have a margin of error of +/- 2.1%.

This polling came in time for NW Natural and Modern Hydrogen's unveiling of a new project that is producing clean hydrogen while capturing solid carbon. Innovative methane pyrolysis technology, which is online at NW Natural’s Central Portland facility, produces clean hydrogen and captures solid carbon in a process called methane pyrolysis, using equipment designed by Modern Hydrogen.

Solid carbon being captured from this process is collected and incorporated into Modern Hydrogen’s proprietary, performance-enhancing asphalt products. These are used in applications such as paving and road repair projects—including a section of asphalt surrounding the equipment installation at NW Natural’s facility.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Hydrogen generated on site is blended with natural gas and delivered via existing energy infrastructure. This three-year pilot project is the latest effort by NW Natural to explore potential hydrogen applications. This includes extensive testing at our Sherwood Operations and Training facility, demonstrating the safety and performance of hydrogen blends ranging from 5 to 20 percent in natural gas systems and equipment.

NW Natural is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on multiple fronts, reimagining the role of the natural gas system and the fuel that they deliver. This includes pursuing a combination of decarbonization measures that include energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon offsets, and carbon capture. Replacing conventional natural gas over time with alternatives like renewable natural gas and clean hydrogen is central to achieving that vision.

NW Natural CEO David Anderson said, “Today we’re looking to renewable natural gas, clean hydrogen, carbon capture and other ways to decarbonize our system. People are eager for solutions that can be put into action today, and we’re proud to play our part.”

In 2023, the Oregon legislature passed a bill called the "Climate Resilience Package," which prohibits the use of natural gas in new structures, including residential and commercial buildings, as well as new infrastructure projects. This means that new buildings and developments will be required to use alternative energy sources, such as electricity or renewable energy systems. The bill is expected to have a significant impact on the construction industry in Oregon, but will it reduce carbon emissions? By promoting the use of alternative energy sources, there is no debate it will increase the cost of energy for everyone while contributing to energy instability.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-06-28 05:38:11

Last Update: 2024-06-28 01:11:11