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Melissa McKay, Sloane & Co.
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Propane: A Key Element of the Pickens Plan
U.S. energy champion T. Boone Pickens highlights propane’s potential
to reduce dependence on foreign oil and help the environment
WASHINGTON (June 10, 2009) — U.S. energy leader T. Boone Pickens highlighted propane as an important part of the Pickens Plan, citing propane’s environmentally friendly profile and ample production in the United States.
Pickens made the announcement at a propane industry event in Washington, together with Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) President and CEO Roy Willis.
“America has the opportunity today to reduce its dependence on foreign oil while protecting the environment by making the most of domestic energy sources,” said Pickens. “Propane is clean, it’s American-made, and it can be put to work right now.”
Ninety-seven percent of propane used in the United States is produced in North America, with much of it coming from the processing of natural gas originating in the United States. “As more American natural gas reserves are tapped, propane production becomes even more domestic,” said Pickens.
Introduced in July 2008 by Pickens, the Pickens Plan is a comprehensive approach to ending America’s growing dependence on foreign oil while reducing the environmental impact of foreign oil, gasoline and diesel.
The environmental benefits of gaseous fuels, including propane and natural gas, was another factor in Pickens’ decision to highlight propane as part of his plan.
Propane is a low-carbon alternative fuel that creates significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions and smog-producing hydrocarbons than traditional fossil fuels. While propane’s portability has made it a staple for home and water heating in rural areas, its environmentally friendly profile also makes propane appealing for commercial, transportation, and agriculture clean energy options. And because more than 50 million Americans already use propane, an efficient distribution infrastructure is already in place.
“Where natural gas is not available or not practical, propane delivers the same clean, low-carbon benefits,” said Willis.
Highlighting propane as part of the Pickens Plan builds upon the plan’s relevance to homes and businesses beyond natural gas main lines and to small and medium-sized engines — engines that are especially heavy emitters of air pollutants and greenhouse gases — where natural gas use is impractical. These uses include mowers, trimmers, and other lawn and landscaping equipment; generators; farm irrigation equipment; and light trucks.
“Today in homes, at work, and on the farm, millions of Americans already use clean propane technology to help meet the energy needs of our country,” said Willis. “With the support of the Pickens Plan, millions more will learn how they can use propane to make a difference too.”
For more information about propane and how to make every energy choice count toward a better future, visit propane.com.