APGA President Testifies Before House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security on Enhancing U.S. Pipeline Safety
Washington, D.C. (January 18, 2024) – Today, Dave Schryver, President and CEO of the American Public Gas Association (APGA), representing approximately 1,000 communities across the United States that own and operate their retail natural gas distribution entities, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security. In his written testimony, Schryver reiterated public gas systems’ longstanding commitment to pipeline safety and urged Congress to prioritize an “all of the above energy policy” that continues to allow usage of
affordable, reliable and efficient natural gas-fired appliances and more buildout of the infrastructure required to energize them.
“Pipeline safety is the top priority of APGA’s members. Billions of dollars are invested each year in maintaining the safe operation of gas pipelines through the replacement of aging infrastructure and the utilization of tools and technologies specifically designed to identify and mitigate threats to the system,” noted Schryver, as part of his testimony.
“Even though we know natural gas is the most affordable and reliable way to fuel a home, public gas systems are still facing significant challenges… from those who want to ban new natural gas hookups or change building codes in their cities and counties to disincentivize the use of gas appliances in homes and businesses,” warned Schryver while also noting that the direct use of natural gas outperforms electricity in a number of ways.
- Natural gas saves customers an estimated $1,000 annually for heating, cooking and clothes drying compared to customers who use all electric appliances.
- Due to the inherently secure nature of the underground pipeline network, only one in 800 natural gas customers experience an unplanned outage in a given year while electric customers experience an average of at least one outage annually.
- Natural gas is nearly three times more efficient when used directly in the home compared to electricity; when using electricity to power home appliances, almost two-thirds of the energy from the original source is used or lost before it ever reaches the electric outlet, versus less than ten percent for natural gas.
Speaking before the Subcommittee, Schryver testified that Congress must preserve a role for public gas utilities in the United States’ sustainable energy future. The natural gas delivered now doesn’t compromise reliability or impose an unnecessary financial burden on American families. As well, natural gas has proven to deliver emissions reductions. APGA’s members are also considering emerging technologies, like hydrogen and renewable natural gas, ensuring even cleaner energy for future generations.
APGA is the only not-for-profit trade organization representing America's publicly owned natural gas local distribution companies (LDCs). APGA represents the interests of public gas before Congress, federal agencies and other energy-related stakeholders by developing regulatory and legislative policies that further the goals of our members. In addition, APGA organizes meetings, seminars and workshops with a specific goal to improve the safety, reliability, operational efficiency and regulatory environment in which public gas systems operate.