CGA is pleased to announce the publication of a new White Paper, “Natural Gas: Leading the Damage Prevention Industry,” which points to the natural gas sector’s influential position in the damage prevention industry and shares actions that all stakeholders can take to drive damages down.

The White Paper analyzes key data from a survey of natural gas distribution professionals and interviews with natural gas decision-makers to understand this stakeholder group’s perceptions and initiatives around damage prevention.

The research shows that there is a strong emphasis on safety and damage prevention among this stakeholder group which gives them an opportunity to influence other stakeholders for improved damage prevention and safety outcomes. As a heavily regulated, high-consequence facility type, the natural gas distribution industry has rigorous requirements and is thus incentivized to invest in effective damage prevention awareness and training.

CGA’s Natural Gas White Paper consolidates the major themes from the natural gas research into four key takeaways:

1. Natural gas distribution stakeholders are deeply engaged in damage prevention and can expand what they perceive as their central role in the industry.
2. Shifting the focus to internal processes and programs is more likely to drive immediate industry-wide improvements.
3. Improving locating through greater emphasis on mapping and fair contracts could help advance U.S. damage prevention as a whole.
4. Seizing opportunities to increase investments in technology will be critical to reducing damages to natural gas facilities.

The full White Paper is available to all CGA members here. Learn more about CGA’s reports, including past White Papers focused on locators and excavators, by visiting the CGA website.

Thank you to all the natural gas stakeholders who participated in the research for their dedication to improving damage prevention outcomes!