Wyoming remains the U.S’ top energy producer

Despite the recent downturn, the Cowboy State remains the U.S’ top energy producer.

That's according to a new report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration released on Monday (7/31/17).

The report shows Wyoming stands alongside Texas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and North Dakota in supplying the country with the most energy. In fact, Wyoming has been the number one energy producer since the early 80's, when it overtook Texas.

Wyoming is also leading the nation in coal production, and ranks sixth for natural gas-production. While coming in 42nd for the amount of energy we use. In recent years, Wyoming coal—particularly from the Powder River Basin—has been used at power plants in more than 30 states. Most of the state’s natural gas is shipped through pipelines crossing into Utah and Nebraska and delivered to markets in both the Midwest and West Coast.

Overall, 12 states produced more primary energy than they consumed, while 38 states and the District of Columbia were net recipients of energy.

By contrast, populous states such as California, Florida, and New York, which have relatively limited energy production but significant energy use, were the top energy net recipients in 2015. All three states rely on petroleum from elsewhere to meet demand in the transportation sector. Natural gas is also the leading fuel for electricity generation in all three states; most homes in both California and New York primarily heat with natural gas as well.

You can view the full Today in Energy brief that was posted Monday on EIA’s website at: https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=32272.