Energizing Michigan
Mark Green
Posted September 16, 2016
Like a number of other states, the energy picture for Michigan is one of all-of-the-above. This is seen in energy-use data and in the fuels used to generate electricity for the state.
Click on the thumbnail for a two-page energy infographic for the Great Lakes State.
On the consumption side, fossil fuels accounted for 81.2 percent of the energy used in the state in 2014, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration – led by natural gas (30.7 percent). In terms of net electricity generation, coal, nuclear and natural gas supplied 91.5 percent of the energy for the state’s power last year.
At the same time, wind, biomass and hydro are leading renewable energy sources. The state has more than 20 utility-scale wind farms with a combined capacity of more than 1,500 megawatts, EIA reports. Overall, 8 percent of the state’s net electricity generation comes from renewables, EIA says.
Again, the point here is that the United States and Michigan use an array of energies – to run economies, to fuel commerce, transportation and daily living. Oil and natural gas lead this portfolio, supplying 65 percent of the energy the U.S. used in 2015 and projected by EIA to supply 67 percent of our energy in 2040 (chart, Page 6). In that context, the ongoing domestic energy renaissance, featuring significant increases in oil and gas production, has been good for U.S. energy security.
To sustain and grow domestic production, pro-development policies are needed: increased access to reserves onshore and offshore, commonsense regulation, efficient permitting and more. Page 2 of the Michigan infographic shows how a pro-development course could benefit the country in energy, jobs, revenues for government and household savings.
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 Michigan 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.