Energizing Minnesota
Mark Green
Posted September 17, 2016
Minnesota produces no oil or natural gas itself, yet important energy infrastructure – a couple of crude oil refineries and a number of pipeline systems -- make it integral to U.S. energy.
Click on the thumbnail to open a two-page energy infographic for the North Star State.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Pine Bend Refinery (339,000 barrels per day) is the largest refinery located in a non-oil producing state. Much of the crude processed by both refineries comes from Canada, America’s largest source of imported oil (1.15 billion barrels in 2015), and critically important to U.S. energy security. The state is crossed by both oil and natural gas pipelines.
In terms of energy used, Minnesotans consumed more natural gas than any other fuel in 2014 (nearly 25 percent of total consumption). Coal, nuclear and natural gas combined for 78.7 percent of the state’s net electricity generation, with renewables supplying another 20 percent.
All states, whether they’re energy producers or energy recipients, benefit from a U.S. energy renaissance that has made our country the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas – which lead our energy portfolio now and are projected by EIA to be the leaders out to 2040. Sound, pro-development policies are needed to support America’s status as an energy superpower. A chart on Page 2 of the infographic shows the benefits of a pro-development path, contrasted with the potential 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 Minnesota 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.