The Gulf’s Invisible Villain: Natural Gas

Methane accompanies oil and gas deposits; potentially explosive with machinery, bright light, sparks or pressure, the gas poses a danger to drillers and miners. The odorless and colorless gas can also displace oxygen and catch living creatures unaware. After the oil-rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, government and media attention focused on highly visible oil rather than invisible methane. Oil companies maintain that the methane disperses into the atmosphere, though researchers have also found high levels deep in the gulf. The US Clean Water Act and Oil Pollution Act do not levy fines for release of methane or natural gas. With more than half of US homes heated by natural gas, the accident in the gulf could bring new attention to the volatile fuels that escape immediate detection. – YaleGlobal