Energy is more than keeping the lights on; it is the foundation of opportunity, growth, and national prosperity as a nation. Sufficient access to energy is what drives innovation, economic development, and public health. Without energy, there is no manufacturing, no technology, no adequate health care, and no way to power homes or businesses. Energy literally fuels everything in our lives and continues to drive our future as a society. Natural gas plays a vital role in that story. From keeping household energy bills manageable to fueling the industries that drive jobs and economic prosperity, natural gas provides affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy. As the Hispanic population continues to grow, already making up nearly one in five Americans, the importance of energy solutions that meet the needs of hardworking families has never been greater.
Natural Gas and Household Affordability
For many Hispanic families, high energy bills can hurt the household budget. In fact, Hispanic households pay 24% more for energy than the national median, leaving less money for essentials like groceries, healthcare, and education. This makes access to affordable energy sources critical. Homes that use natural gas for heating, cooking, and hot water save over $1,100 a year on average compared to electric-only homes. By relying on natural gas, households grappling with disproportionate energy burdens can free up critical funds for priorities like food or healthcare.
Supporting the Hispanic Workforce and Business
Natural gas supports career opportunities and entrepreneurial growth for Hispanic communities. According to the U.S. Energy Employment Report 2024, Hispanic or Latino workers filled 32% of all new energy jobs in 2023, making up about 18% of the energy workforce. Outside of direct energy jobs, Hispanic entrepreneurs and small business owners benefit from the industry. From owning a restaurant to manufacturing, or working in healthcare, natural gas powers workforces that depend on it. For example, 87% of full-service restaurants use natural gas appliances, and 90% of restaurant owners using natural gas say that losing the ability to cook with natural gas would negatively impact their food quality. efficiently run. Natural gas supports not only energy workers, but is also the backbone of many Hispanic-owned businesses and practices.
The U.S. Must Protect Access to Natural Gas
As policymakers debate the future of energy, it is essential to remember the role of natural gas in advancing affordability, reliability, and equity. Since 2005, the use of natural gas for powering in the U.S. has increased by more than 100%, and there has been around an 18% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Over the past two decades, the U.S. has switched from coal to natural gas to produce cleaner, reliable energy. Protecting access to natural gas at the state and federal levels is a commitment to prosperity and growth for Hispanic families, one of the nation’s fastest-growing populations.
