Dear Dr. Wolk:

On August 3rd, President Obama and EPA announced the Clean Power Plan Rule. The rule requires the U.S. power sector to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 32 percent in 2030 from 2005 levels. The only mention of natural gas during the release of this plan established a disappointing false choice between clean-burning natural gas and renewables. However, we believe, and government data supports the fact, that natural gas has played and will continue to play a central role in reducing CO2 emissions quickly, cost-effectively, and safely.If Colorado crafts a state compliance plan, our home state natural gas is the single best tool for achieving CO2 emission goals. Increased natural gas electricity generation is the most significant reason that the United States has reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Colorado’s assigned 2030 goal of a 40 percent reduction in CO2 emissions is a substantial change from the original EPA proposal. The results of increased use of natural gas continues to demonstrate that Colorado can meet the targeted emission reduction goals without disrupting electric supply while avoiding regressive price impacts to consumers. Natural gas can achieve this in a manner that improves quality of life both environmentally and economically.

The United States has reduced greenhouse gas emissions more than any other industrial nation over the last decade, largely because of natural gas. According to the Energy Information Administration, monthly power sector emissions reached a 27-year low in April at the same time that natural gas became the leading source of American electricity.

Furthermore, consumer-driven investments in natural gas have lowered energy bills for Colorado families. Colorado’s leadership in natural gas production has provided multiple benefits, including school funding, roads, state/federal agencies, and Colorado’s special districts. Across the nation, America’s shale energy is saving billions for local schools districts, as well as state and local taxpayers. School districts in Colorado saved over $11.4 million on energy in 2013, enough to employ over 150 teachers, according to a study by IHS Global Insight. During the same period, state and local taxpayers in Colorado saved another $6.6 million on other government spending. For towns and schools still struggling with the ripple effects of recession, the economic benefits resulting from advances in U.S. energy production are making a huge difference.

America’s oil and natural gas industry invested an estimated $165.4 billion in zero- and low-emissions technologies from 2000 through 2012, according to a study by T2 and Associates. We all have a common goal of ensuring Colorado implements a plan that delivers electricity reliably, affordably and in a way that meets environmental goals. Natural gas meets all of these priorities.

In light of the economic benefits for Coloradans, and proven emissions benefits, we urge you to act to extend the tremendous CO2 emission reductions that natural gas has already afforded the Centennial State, when and if you move forward with implementation of the Clean Power Plan.

Dan Haley, President & CEO, Colorado Oil & Gas AssociationDavid Ludlam, Executive Director, West Slope Colorado Oil & Gas AssociationTraccee Bentley, Executive Director, American Petroleum InstituteStan Dempsey, President, Colorado Petroleum AssociationFrank Macchiarola, Executive Vice President, America’s Natural Gas AllianceChristi Zeller, Executive Director, La Plata County Energy CouncilKathleen Sgamma, Vice President, Western Energy Alliance