Energy

Fossil Fuels

What is the cleanest fossil fuel?

Natural gas, composed primarily of methane, is the cleanest of all fossil fuels, producing only carbon dioxide and water vapor when it is burned. Coal and oil produce higher levels of harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide when burned. Coal creates the most carbon dioxide when it is burned. Natural gas emits 25 to 50 percent less carbon dioxide than either oil or coal for each unit of energy produced.