Natural gas utilities should play a vital role in driving the U.S. economy toward the country’s collective goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, each utility will have to invest in evolving technology and infrastructure, the American Gas Association (AGA) said  Tuesday.

The AGA’s leaders said in a new report the United States can achieve significant emissions reductions by accelerating the use of existing options, including renewable natural gas (RNG), methane reduction technologies and energy efficiency initiatives.

Continued developments in low-carbon gas and negative emissions technologies, however, will be needed to meet an economy-wide 2050 net-zero target, they added during a press conference. They said ongoing investment in gas delivery...