Earlier this month, CNX Resources Corp. unveiled its “Appalachia First” vision, which highlighted the idea that natural gas should be considered a catalyst to the transition to greener energy sources, both domestically and abroad, according to Natural Gas Intelligence.

The company is arguing against a renewables-focused strategy for the region in favor of a natural-gas-focused strategy.

“The nation and world are waking up to stark energy realities: energy scarcity, deterioration of our power grid and energy inflation stoking wider inflation,” said CEO Nick Deluliis. “Policy often relies too heavily on applications such as wind, solar and electric vehicles that can present large life cycle carbon footprints, require supply chains stretching thousands of miles, are costly and face serious challenges when scaling in regions like Appalachia.

“If we don’t get energy and climate policies right, our economic competitiveness will be stifled, the environment will be worse off, and we will end up enabling our adversaries to wage war and forcing leaders to negotiate energy supplies from dictators and despots.”

Natural gas has contributed to a 40% reduction in Pennsylvania’s electricity-related carbon emissions since 2005, and, simultaneously, natural gas’ share of the PJM Interconnection LLC electricity mix grew from 14% to 38% between 2011 and 2021, according to Deluliis. During the same time period, the combined contribution from solar and wind only increased from 1% to just under 4%.

Learn more: Natural Gas Intelligence > Natural Gas the Answer to Reducing Emissions, Argues CNX in ‘Appalachia First’ Plan