Energizing Missouri
Mark Green
Posted September 20, 2016
Located in the heart of the country, Missouri is the crossroads for more than two dozen pipelines that deliver crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas and natural gas liquids from producers to markets and, ultimately, consumers. Though the state produced only 150,000 barrels of oil last year, it remains a key component in America’s energy mix because of the infrastructure it hosts.
Click on the thumbnail for a two-page energy infographic for the Show Me State.
For example, the Rockies Express Pipeline is one of the largest natural gas lines in the U.S. (1.8 billion cubic feet per day capacity). Its western section starts in Colorado and brings gas from the Rockies into Missouri, connecting with its eastern section in the northeastern part of the state before going on to Ohio, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The pipeline is bidirectional; it also can bring natural gas to Missouri from the Appalachians.
EIA says more coal is used for power generation in Missouri than all but a few states. In 2015, coal accounted for 78.1 percent of the state’s net electricity generation. Likewise, Missourians used more coal than any other fuel (41 percent of total consumption) in 2014. In all, fossil fuels represented 89 percent of the state’s energy use.
Coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, renewables – all fit in an all-of-the-above approach to energy that keeps the national and state economies moving. Thanks to abundant shale reserves and hydraulic fracturing, the United States leads the world in oil and gas production. Our energy security is growing, and increased use of cleaner-burning natural gas is the biggest reason U.S. carbon emissions from the power sector have been lowered to levels not seen in more than two decades.
We can continue energy and climate progress with pro-development policies that foster safe and responsible energy growth. Page 2 of the infographic includes a chart showing estimated benefits from such an approach, contrasted with potential negative impacts from polices 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 Missouri 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.