16. Encourage natural gas use

State of the Union pledge

"The natural gas boom has led to cleaner power and greater energy independence. We need to encourage that. And that's why my administration will keep cutting red tape and speeding up new oil and gas permits."

Background

Natural gas production has ramped up in recent years, in part because of hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, a drilling technique that extracts natural gas from shale rock deep underground. Although fracking has helped boost domestic supplies of natural gas, some have raised concerns about the technique's health and environmental impact. Natural gas produces fewer greenhouse gases than does petroleum and is cheaper for consumers, though automobiles that run on natural gas are more expensive.

Developments

• March 20: A number of oil and gas companies reach an agreement with environmentalists on voluntary standards to govern fracking in the Northeast. This program could spur increased drilling.

Related content

• Natural gas vehicle sales tiny but picking up
• Fracking boom gains momentum
• Fracking phenomenon is a natural gas gold rush: Is your state next?

Sources: Associated Press; Paste BN research