Seasonal fuel switching to natural gas - A logical approach to reduce sulfur dioxide and other air emissions

This analysis examines a method for reducing sulfur dioxide and other air pollutant emissions which may have major benefits over other control strategies. This control technique involves the substitution of natural gas for higher sulfur fuels on a seasonal basis, as opposed to a year-round basis. That is, a 20 percent annual sulfur dioxide reduction goal could be met by substituting gas for high sulfur oil or coal at a 40 percent level over six months, as opposed to a continuous 12 month substitution at the 20 percent level. The seasonal approach proposed in this analysis is neither accepted as a valid control technique by federal agencies for meeting current environmental standards, nor is it included in the proposed sulfur dioxide legislation. Fuel switching to natural gas can be used for environmental compliance on a continuous basis under the ''bubble'' policy of the Environmental Protection Agency.