About Natural GasNatural gas is a combustible, gaseous mixture of simple hydrocarbons, usually found deep underground. Natural gas is a fossil fuel made up mostly of methane, but does contain small amounts of other gases, like ethane, propane, butane and pentane. Methane is composed of a molecule of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. Natural gas is used by homes, businesses and industries. More than half of all homes in the United States heat with natural gas. Natural gas is also used to make electric power and for cooling, and as a transportation fuel. Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel, producing primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor. Other fossil fuels are coal and oil, which together with natural gas, account for about 88 percent of U.S. energy consumption. Scientists think that natural gas was formed millions of years ago when plants and tiny sea animals were buried by sand and rock. Layers of mud, sand, rock and plant and animal matter continued to build up until the pressure and heat from the earth turned them into petroleum and natural gas. Also, here are some helpful links to learn more about natural gas and energy conservation: US Department of Energy www.energy.gov Energy Information Administration www.eia.doe.gov Federal Energy Regulatory Commission www.FERC.gov American Gas Association www.aga.org Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources www.state.ma.us/doer/ Other Energy Conservation Links
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