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Environ Sci Technol

Title:		"Air impacts of increased natural gas acquisition, processing, and use: a critical review"
Author(s):		Moore CW; Zielinska B; Petron G; Jackson RB;
Address:		"Desert Research Institute , Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Reno, Nevada 89512, United States"
Journal Title:		Environ Sci Technol
Year:		2014
Volume:		20140318
Issue:		15
Page Number:		8349 - 8359
DOI:		10.1021/es4053472
ISSN/ISBN:		1520-5851 (Electronic) 0013-936X (Linking)
Abstract:		"During the past decade, technological advancements in the United States and Canada have led to rapid and intensive development of many unconventional natural gas plays (e.g., shale gas, tight sand gas, coal-bed methane), raising concerns about environmental impacts. Here, we summarize the current understanding of local and regional air quality impacts of natural gas extraction, production, and use. Air emissions from the natural gas life cycle include greenhouse gases, ozone precursors (volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides), air toxics, and particulates. National and state regulators primarily use generic emission inventories to assess the climate, air quality, and health impacts of natural gas systems. These inventories rely on limited, incomplete, and sometimes outdated emission factors and activity data, based on few measurements. We discuss case studies for specific air impacts grouped by natural gas life cycle segment, summarize the potential benefits of using natural gas over other fossil fuels, and examine national and state emission regulations pertaining to natural gas systems. Finally, we highlight specific gaps in scientific knowledge and suggest that substantial additional measurements of air emissions from the natural gas life cycle are essential to understanding the impacts and benefits of this resource"
Keywords:		Air Pollutants *Air Pollution/legislation & jurisprudence *Extraction and Processing Industry/legislation & jurisprudence Government Regulation Methane *Natural Gas Volatile Organic Compounds;
Notes:		"MedlineMoore, Christopher W Zielinska, Barbara Petron, Gabrielle Jackson, Robert B eng Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. Review 2014/03/05 Environ Sci Technol. 2014; 48(15):8349-59. doi: 10.1021/es4053472. Epub 2014 Mar 18"