No one questions that a demand exists for natural gas and that the resource is plentiful in Texas. The problem will be ensuring that gas gets from the ground to the market place at a reasonable price. Experts in the energy field expect the U.S. demand for natural gas to grow during the next decade. By 2010, it is projected to be more than 30 percent over the 1998 level. The biggest driver for that growth will be gas-fired electric generation.
Environmental considerations favor natural gas as a fuel for electric generation.
Among fossil fuels, natural gas yields significantly fewer air pollutants than oil or coal. I am honored to be testifying at our nation's capital. The issue of natural gas and electric generation is a topic I have been talking about throughout the state. That can happen only if we understand the role natural gas will play in electric restructuring. I believe we need to develop and advocate policies to help promote the exploration and production of natural gas.