Natural Gas 101: What is it, where does it come from, and who pays for it?

Natural gas—also known as fossil gas—is everywhere these days. It’s in our buildings, where we burn it to heat spaces and water and to cook our food. It’s in our neighborhoods, running through pipes that crisscross our streets. It’s in our electricity grid, where we burn it to create electricity. And it’s in the news. We’re hearing more and more about fossil gas, with published stories on the negative health, safety, financial, and climate impacts of burning and transporting fossil gas.

But what is fossil gas? Where does it come from? How is it transported? Who pays for it? Is it really harmful for health and environment? And is it sustainable? What comes after fossil gas? Get those questions and more answered.

Hosted by:

Joe Dammel | he/him
Director, Gas Decarbonization

Joe Dammel directs Fresh Energy’s work to decarbonize the natural gas system. In this role, Joe focuses on the transition away from fossil fuels and onto carbon-free electricity in buildings and on the transformation of the natural gas/dual-fuel utility business model. As a technical policy expert, Joe identifies and leads work on key dockets at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Joe has expertise in the utility business model, gas infrastructure, performance metrics, electric vehicles, and more.

Jo Olson | she/her
Director, Communications & Engagement

Jo is Fresh Energy’s director of communications and engagement and joined our team in November of 2019. She leads public engagement efforts around Fresh Energy’s programs and initiatives. Jo has been involved in nonprofit communications, branding, and public relations for 15 years, most recently having served as the Communications Director at the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota.