Energizing Washington
Mark Green
Posted September 28, 2016
Hydroelectric power is the leading energy source for Washington state. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Washington was the country’s leading producer of hydro electricity in 2014, generating 30 percent of the nation’s net output.
Click on the thumbnail to open a two-page energy infographic for the Evergreen State.
No surprise there – the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River is the country’s largest hydroelectric power producer with a net generating capacity of 7,079 megawatts in the summer. Hydro accounted for 68.5 percent of the state’s net electricity generation in 2015.
Still, it takes more than one fuel source to run a state and its economy. Natural gas powered 11.7 percent of Washington’s electricity generation last year. And EIA data shows that 51 percent of the state’s energy use in 2014 was in fossil fuels, with natural gas (15 percent) leading the way. Gasoline, coal, fuel oil, nuclear and others have significant roles in fueling Washington.
Certainly, that’s the story nationwide. We’re an all-of-the-above energy nation now and will continue to be into the future, according to EIA projections. Nationally, oil and natural gas lead the energy portfolio, but the other energy sources are needed as well.
This approach works for the U.S. and will continue to work with pro-development energy policies that allow increased oil and natural gas production alongside development of other fuels. Page 2 of the infographic shows the benefits of such an approach, including economic and job growth, increased revenues to government and household savings.
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 Washington state 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.