Energizing Connecticut
Mark Green
Posted August 24, 2016
Energizing Connecticut
Connecticut produces neither crude oil nor natural gas. It relies on intrastate pipelines to deliver natural gas, which is the leading fuel used by state residents and businesses. Sufficient pipeline capacity is the critical energy issue in Connecticut and the rest of New England, and that depends on operators having the opportunity to build new pipelines.
Click on the thumbnail to open a two-page energy infographic for the Nutmeg State.
Connecticut demonstrates the linked issues of natural gas supply and the need for infrastructure. Nearly 45 percent of the state’s net electricity in 2015 was generated by natural gas (second only to nuclear electricity, 47.3 percent). About a third of the state’s homes are heated by natural gas, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Natural gas developed domestically with safe hydraulic fracturing is lowering costs for consumers while also providing a cleaner option for power generators. The increased use of natural gas from fracking is the chief reason the U.S. leads the world in reducing energy-related carbon emissions. U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz last week:
“The increased production of oil and natural gas in the United States has, obviously, been a major story in terms of our economy, and also our environment. … The natural gas boom, in particular, has led to the displacement of high-carbon coal with low-carbon natural gas producing fewer [carbon dioxide] emissions.”
Going forward, the benefits of shale gas can be ours with pro-development policies that continue to foster safe production. Page 2 of the infographic includes a chart showing how supportive policies will lead to more energy, economic growth, jobs and consumer benefits – as well as the negative impacts of 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 Connecticut 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.