Coal vs natural gas

In 2013, greenhouse gas emissions from transportation accounted for about 27% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the second largest contributor of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions after the Electricity sector. The electricity sector or power plants produce 38% of the total. The first step in reducing greenhouse gases is to change coal plants over to natural gas since natural gas produces only 37% as much CO2 as coal. In addition this will reduce acid rain and heavy metal contaminates and provide cleaner ways to transport fuel. Coal is mined using heavy equipment and shipped by truck or rail while natural gas is piped. Coal produces large quantities of ash and natural gas does not. This change is underway and will continue in the future. Other methods of reducing greenhouse gases can continue and should be encouraged. Things like wind, solar and nuclear can help over the long term but changing to natural gas can and is offering immediate improvements.