Energizing Ohio
Mark Green
Posted September 26, 2016
A snapshot of the shale/fracking renaissance in Ohio: In 2010, the state’s marketed natural gas production was about 78 billion cubic feet. Last year it was more than 1 trillion cubic feet, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). That’s a 12-fold increase – thanks to shale energy and modern hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.
Click on the thumbnail to view a two-page energy infographic for the Buckeye State.
Energy in Ohio – one of the cradles of the oil and natural gas industry – is trending up, to say the least. This is because development of safe fracking technology is unlocking the Utica shale play that underlies much of the eastern part of the state, as well as the westernmost edge of the Marcellus play a layer above the Utica. As a result, Ohio ranked 10th in natural gas production last year, nearly doubling from 2014 to 2015.
In terms of consumption and power generation, coal and natural gas are Ohio’s energy leaders. The state used about twice as much coal (27.7 percent of total consumption mix) and natural gas (27.4 percent) as any other fuel. Coal accounted for 59 percent of Ohio’s net electricity generation and natural gas 22.5 percent – though natural gas’ role in power generation has grown nearly 300 percent since 2010.
Again, Ohio is a growing energy leader, thanks to safe and responsible hydraulic fracturing operations that are well-managed by state regulators under state and federal laws. The increase in Ohio oil and natural gas production is a big reason the U.S. leads the world in oil and gas output, growing our country’s economy and making it more energy secure. Thanks to increasing natural gas use, the U.S. also is the leader in reducing power sector-related carbon emissions.
With the right pro-development policies, America’s energy renaissance can keep growing. Page 2 of the infographic includes a chart that shows the benefits of a pro-energy approach – in contrast to potential negative impacts from 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 Ohio 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.