How Does Propane Gas Affect the Environment?

If you’re environmentally-conscious and want to contribute to a “green” world, then you might wonder how the gases and other products you use on a daily basis impact the world around you.

For instance, emissions from heating oil, diesel fuel and gasoline produce the highest amounts of carbon dioxide into the air after different types of coal, according to information provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in June 2018.

The Environmental Protection Agency has reported that more than 80% of greenhouse gases emitted into the air in the United States come from carbon emissions. Along with electricity, transportation gas emissions account for 56% of all total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (2016), and 11% comes from residential and commercial mainly by the use of fossil fuels burned for heat.

Among other things, carbon emissions have been shown to contribute to the planet’s climate change. This has led to global warming and negative impacts on water supplies and food crops.

Now you might be really worried…but if you’re a propane gas user, fear not. You’re doing the environment a huge favor by using propane.

Let’s take a closer look at why residential propane gas is heavily favored by those who do not wish to leave a carbon footprint when they use their heating, cooking or other appliances.

Propane Low Emissions

Propane and the Environment: Perfect Together

How favorable is propane when it comes to the environment? Propane is not regarded as a greenhouse gas and is even listed as an approved clean energy source by the 1990 Clean Air Act.

While of course propane, like any gas, has some level of emissions, it is fairly low compared to other fuels. In fact, while it does emit low levels of carbon dioxide, propane does not emit any wastes such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides or methane. Propane inserts can also help.

Propane has many uses and is not harmful to the soil or to groundwater, fresh water or saltwater. When it spills or leaks, propane becomes a harmless vapor.

Go ahead and fire up that propane grill–propane emits 50% less carbon dioxide than a charcoal grill.

Liquid propane can cause burns to the skin, but propane vapor is not harmful in any way if inhaled. In high concentrations, inhalation can be harmful, but few people are ever exposed to those levels on a normal basis. Compared to gasoline, propane emits 60% less carbon monoxide. And, it emits nearly 100% less particulate matter than diesel. There’s a big reason why forklifts in most warehouses are powered by propane and not diesel or other fuels!

Other ways in which propane is environmentally friendly:

  • It dissipates quickly and is not an air pollutant
  • Lower carbon dioxide emissions contribute much less to acid rain
  • Transporting propane is safer than transporting other fuels; any environmental impact in greatly reduced in case of a spill or leak
  • Diversified Energy Helps You Go Green

    North Carolina or Mount Joy, PA residents can rely on Diversified Energy, a top East Coast propane supplier, to help them save the environment.

    With eight service center locations throughout NC, Diversified provides plenty of locations for consumers to stop by to discuss propane conversions, installations or home delivery services. Simply call 1-800-719-1194 to speak with a representative or contact us online for more information!

    From automatic “watchdog” delivery to gas line and storage tank installations, Diversified stands as your one-stop shop for everything propane.

    We at Diversified Energy share your concerns about the environment and together we can ensure that the air, soil and water around us do not suffer from toxic emissions released by other fuel forms. Go Diversified…and go green!