What Effects Does Propane Have on the Environment?

Propane is a hydrocarbon processed from oil refining and natural gas processing. It is a colorless gas that turns into a liquid when compressed for easy storage and transportation. Propane is a versatile fuel used in homes for cooking, grilling and heating and used by farms for cultivation. It is approved as an alternative fuel in the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Propane is a clean and efficient energy source but it may not be a sustainable solution.

Safety

• Propane is non-toxic and is unlikely to contaminate soil or water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, propane tanks are 20 times less likely to puncture than gasoline tanks, making propane a safer fuel for public health.

Air Quality

• Although propane is a hydrocarbon, it is not considered a greenhouse gas. It is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer emissions than other carbon energy sources including oil and gasoline. It has been found that emissions from propane engines are 50 to 90 percent lower than gasoline engines. This makes propane a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for vehicles, lawn mowers, home appliances and heating.

Tank Disposal

• It may be difficult to dispose of a propane tank. Garbage collectors and scrap yards will not accept propane tanks because the tanks are considered hazardous waste. Propane is flammable and residual content may be left inside the tank even after it is no longer useful. Many certified propane companies will recycle the tanks so they do not end up in landfills, and some companies are proposing new ways to recycle small single-use canisters.

Indirect Effects

• Propane is a byproduct of petroleum. Although propane has been adopted as a clean burning alternative fuel, petroleum has not. Petroleum is toxic and emits greenhouse gases that can contribute to global warming. Also, propane is made through the process of oil refining. There are environmental concerns that oil refineries are major sources of air, water and noise pollution.

Nonrenewable Energy

• Propane is a nonrenewable fossil fuel. As it is taken from the earth, it is not replenished. Since propane can be depleted entirely, it is not considered a long-term fuel solution.