Energizing Wyoming
Mark Green
Posted August 27, 2016
Energizing Wyoming
Wyoming ranks second among the 50 states in overall energy output, producing 9,362 trillion Btu in 2014, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Only Texas produced more energy.
Click on the thumbnail for a two-page energy infographic for the Cowboy State (which some also call the Equality State).
Wyoming is number one in coal production, fifth in natural gas and eighth in crude oil, accounting for two to three percent of U.S. oil output – despite the fact the state has less than three percent of proved U.S. crude reserves. This is thanks to safe hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. EIA:
[P]roducers using advanced drilling technologies have increased crude oil production in two regions of eastern Wyoming: the Niobrara Shale north of the Colorado border and the coal-rich Powder River Basin south of the Montana border.
Coal supplies about 56 percent of the energy used by Wyoming residents, with fuels made from natural gas and oil accounting for 36 percent of consumption. The state has six operating crude oil refineries, producing gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel and other products.
Wyoming is playing an important part in a U.S. energy renaissance that has made our country the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas – resulting in jobs, economic growth, greater energy security and consumer savings. The growth of domestic natural gas use – a lot of it produced in Wyoming – is the primary reason the U.S. leads the world in reducing emissions of energy-related carbon dioxide.
To continue this progress, we need policies that foster safe energy development. On Page 2 of the infographic there’s a chart that shows the benefits of a pro-development path, which contrast with the potential negative impacts of policies characterized by regulatory constraints.
Energy is essential for virtually every aspect of our daily lives. It powers national, state and local economies, gets us to work and goes into products we rely on for health and comfort. Safe, responsible energy development here at home is linked to national security as well as Americans’ individual prosperity and liberty – in Wyoming and all the 50 states of energy.
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.