Natural Gas
Natural gas is used widely across the economy; it releases about half the carbon dioxide emissions of coal when burned, though its production and consumption releases methane (a powerful greenhouse gas). Research and analysis at RFF focuses on the development of natural gas resources in the United States and abroad, as well as its impacts and their mitigation through regulations.
Community Impacts of Oil and Gas Development
Read RFF's research on the local impacts of oil and gas.
Read more
What Research Says on Key Fracking Issues
Watch our webinar on the key issues debated over fracking.
Read moreFeatured Content
- Highlights
- Publications
- Events
- News
- Resources Magazine
Press Release — Sep 9, 2021
Even Modest Fees Could Produce Substantial Reductions in Methane Leaks at Low Cost
A new issue brief from Resources for the Future examines the economic effects of a range of methane fees, finding that incentivizing natural gas companies to reduce methane leaks could create benefits at relatively low cost.
Issue Brief — Sep 9, 2021
Methane Fees' Effects on Natural Gas Prices and Methane Leakage
This issue brief examines the economic effects of a range of methane fees, finding that incentivizing natural gas companies to reduce methane leaks could create benefits at relatively low cost.
Report — Jun 8, 2021
Global Energy Outlook 2021: Pathways from Paris
Resources for the Future’s annual Global Energy Outlook report finds that current trends fall far short of meeting emissions reduction targets, despite the economic slowdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Issue Brief — Sep 9, 2021
Methane Fees' Effects on Natural Gas Prices and Methane Leakage
This issue brief examines the economic effects of a range of methane fees, finding that incentivizing natural gas companies to reduce methane leaks could create benefits at relatively low cost.
Report — Jun 8, 2021
Global Energy Outlook 2021: Pathways from Paris
Resources for the Future’s annual Global Energy Outlook report finds that current trends fall far short of meeting emissions reduction targets, despite the economic slowdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Issue Brief — May 18, 2021
Reducing Coal Plant Emissions by Cofiring with Natural Gas
The Environmental Protection Agency can rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cofiring with natural gas at coal plants under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.
RFF Live — Mar 9, 2021
A Hydrogen Future? Exploring Pathways to Decarbonization
A discussion on strategies to reduce barriers to deployment for decarbonized "blue" and "green" hydrogen
RFF Live — Dec 1, 2020
Going Greener: Green Public Procurement for Natural Gas, Cement, and Steel
Exploring how green procurement programs can be designed to encourage industry participation and lower carbon footprints
RFF Live — Apr 24, 2020
Greening Gas: Creating a Market for Low-Methane Natural Gas
Examining potential opportunities and issues related to the creation of a market for "green" gas
Press Release — Sep 9, 2021
Even Modest Fees Could Produce Substantial Reductions in Methane Leaks at Low Cost
A new issue brief from Resources for the Future examines the economic effects of a range of methane fees, finding that incentivizing natural gas companies to reduce methane leaks could create benefits at relatively low cost.
Press Release — Jun 8, 2021
Global Energy Outlook 2021: Significant Policy Change Needed to Achieve Paris Agreement Goals
Resources for the Future’s annual Global Energy Outlook report finds that current trends fall far short of meeting emissions reduction targets, despite the economic slowdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Media Highlight — May 19, 2021
RFF Floats Goldilocks Plan for Power CO2
An issue brief by Research Analyst Maya Domeshek and Senior Fellow Dallas Burtraw is profiled in POLITICO's Morning Energy newsletter.
Common Resources — Feb 4, 2021
The Potential of Hydrogen for Decarbonization: Reducing Emissions in Oil Refining and Ammonia Production
RFF’s Jay Bartlett and Alan Krupnick evaluate the production, storage, and transportation costs of “blue” and “green” hydrogen to identify near- and long-term methods for reducing industrial feedstock emissions.
Resources Magazine — Dec 21, 2020
Policy Options for Oil and Gas Leasing Reform on Federal Lands and Waters
The Biden administration has highlighted some possibilities for reforming oil and gas drilling—and thus reducing emissions—on federal lands. RFF Fellow Brian Prest draws from recent modeling results to consider carbon adders as a promising option.
Common Resources — Oct 29, 2020
The Future of Natural Gas: Balancing Economics and Climate Change
A variety of factors will influence total emissions from the natural gas sector, regardless of who wins next week’s presidential election.