Environment

Science and economics both play important roles in environmental policy

Environmental Stewardship

Questar respects and protects the environment. We believe our reputation as an environmentally responsible operator is a source of competitive advantage. We understand that a company doesn't get a reputation for environmental citizenship just by claiming one. It's a judgment made by others. That's why we nurture a culture in which good environmental stewardship is ingrained in our day-to-day decisions and operations. At Questar we:

• Ensure that we meet or exceed the requirements of environmental laws and regulations and other standards that we have voluntarily adopted.
• Ensure that all our employees recognize their responsibilities for complying with environmental rules.
• Encourage our employees to continue to improve their environmental performance by providing the training and the human, physical and financial resources to achieve our environmental goals.
• Prevent pollution and respond to incidents quickly and effectively.
• Work with public and private agencies to develop new laws and rules that are protective of the environment.
• Utilize management review and performance monitoring to ensure our environmental management systems are effective.

Climate Change

Man-made climate change is potentially one of the most consequential environmental issues of our time. The discussion centers on three questions:

• To what extent is human activity – specifically, fossil-fuel use – affecting the global climate?
• What are the long-term consequences of higher carbon dioxide levels in the upper atmosphere?
• What should be done about it?

Despite the complex and uncertain science, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has passed regulations requiring tracking of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and permitting of CO2 emissions from large facilities. We believe the federal government is more likely than not to enact further regulations to encourage further reduction of CO2 emissions. Prior to USEPA's carbon regulations, we voluntarily measured and disclosed our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pursuant to the World Resources Institute Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Carbon Disclosure Project. We've formed a GHG interdisciplinary team to identify and manage risks related to carbon regulation. Questar's management reviews its climate change risks and strategies with Questar's Board of Directors.

We intend to be part of America's climate-change solution. Our corporate mission is to produce and deliver clean, abundant, affordable–and American–natural gas. We believe that greater use of natural gas must be part of America's carbon solution. We can cut CO2 emissions in half by using natural gas instead of coal to produce electricity. We can cut CO2 emissions by 30% by running our cars on natural gas instead of gasoline. We can cut CO2 emissions by as much as 90% by heating our homes with natural gas instead of other fossil fuels.

Questar relentlessly seeks to cut energy waste and improve energy efficiency in all company operations. We've implemented one of the most effective energy-conservation programs in the country. Questar intends to be part of the climate change solution.