PERC Guest Blog: Propane in Our Nations Energy Mix

Propane in Our Nation's Energy Mix

Did you know that America is the world’s largest producer and exporter of propane with an extensive distribution network?  In small towns and rural areas, propane companies often have deep roots in their communities.

Most are surprised to learn that propane produces 43 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than grid-generated electricity, based on national averages. It is a clean-burning alternative to gasoline and diesel that complements long-term renewable technologies. Also, methane-free, propane produces extremely low levels of nitrogen oxides and has virtually no particulate matter. In contrast, diesel -- used in about 95% of school buses -- can emit 25 to 400 times more mass of particulate black carbon and associated organic matter (soot) per mile.

The 1990 amendment of the Clean Air Act introduced a nationwide approach to reduce acid pollution. The law is designed to reduce acid rain (caused mostly by emissions from fossil fuels) and improve public health by dramatically reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).  Propane is an approved clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act, and is free of Sulfur.

Propane is listed as an approved alternative fuel as described in the Federal Highways Administration’s (FHWA) Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC).  The $7.5B in funding in Biden’s Infrastructure Law will be available to support EV Charging along the AFCs under the NEVI program.

Read more in our guest blog by Tucker Perkins, President & CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council.