Energizing Florida
Mark Green
Posted August 15, 2016
Florida is a tale of two energy stories.
On the consumption side, only Texas generates more net electricity from natural gas than Florida – which makes sense given Florida’s use of electricity to run air conditioners during the summer and home heating units during the winter.
Click on the thumbnail to open a two-page infographic for the Sunshine State.
Production-wise, Florida is in the second tier of states in output (about 2 million barrels of oil in 2015, compared to Texas’ 1.26 billion barrels) – yet geologists believe there may be large oil and natural gas reserves on the outer continental shelf off Florida’s western coast.
Safe offshore development could yield an energy bonanza, jobs and economic growth, but a congressional moratorium blocks development. Florida’s western offshore is part of the 87 percent of federal offshore acreage that’s off limits to responsible exploration and production.
Allowing more development of America’s offshore reserves is among the pro-development policies that could result in added benefits to the country, highlighted on Page 2 of the infographic. Indeed, offshore development is critically important now and going forward for the U.S., the world’s leader in oil and natural gas production. An energy future characterized by regulatory constraints likely would produce negative impacts in terms of jobs, economic growth and consumer benefits.
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 Florida 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.