Energizing Arkansas
Mark Green
Posted August 23, 2016
Energizing Arkansas
Among the country’s top 15 states in overall energy production, Arkansas had a more than 400 percent increase in natural gas output from 2005 through 2015 – thanks to safe hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling in shale and other tight-rock formations. By itself Arkansas accounted for 3.5 percent of U.S. gas production. In a real sense, the state is a snapshot of the U.S. energy renaissance, launched by fracking.
Click on the thumbnail for a two-page energy infographic for The Natural State.
On the consumption side, coal, natural gas and nuclear electric are the top fuels used by Arkansans in 2014, the U.S. Energy Information Administration says. The state’s net electricity generation in 2015 was led by natural gas (27 percent) and nuclear (26 percent). Arkansas truly represents the country’s shale energy production as well as the varied mix of energy needed to make state and local economies go.
The American energy revolution is a game-changer, making the U.S. the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas, which has made the country more energy secure, helped the economy and lowered costs for consumers. At the same time increased use of cleaner-burning natural gas – from Arkansas and other states – is the main reason the U.S. leads the world in reducing energy-related carbon emissions.
Supporting and extending our energy revolution requires pro-development policies, illustrated on Page 2 of the infographic. Conversely, policies characterized by regulatory constraints would have negative impacts on energy, the economy and other areas.
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 Arkansas 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.