The landscape of electricity generation in America has evolved significantly over the past two decades.
Exploring the
from 2001 to 2023
Breakdown of power sources in the United States
Natural gas has overtaken coal as the primary source of power in the country since 2016, with renewable energy sources like wind and solar also playing a substantial role in the U.S. energy grid.
Each state has its unique narrative to tell.
In Nevada, natural gas took the lead in electricity generation back in 2005, preceding many other regions. Recently, solar power has experienced a significant surge in the state.
The state of Iowa has witnessed a remarkable growth in wind power over the past two decades, surpassing coal in 2019 to become the primary source of electricity generation.
Even in Wyoming, where coal remains dominant in electricity production, alternative energy sources have been steadily gaining ground.
While fossil fuels still contribute the majority of electricity in the U.S., the transition from coal to natural gas and renewables has led to a reduction in carbon emissions and other harmful pollutants.
Last year, coal was the primary electricity source in 10 states,
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Despite progress, experts emphasize the need for further action to achieve zero emissions from the power sector to combat climate change, a goal championed by President Biden.
Transitioning from coal to gas is a step in the right direction, as natural gas produces fewer carbon emissions than coal. However,
President Biden’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act aimed to accelerate the growth of renewable energy, support clean power technologies, and address climate change. However, the fate of this legislation remains uncertain in an election year, with opposing views on clean energy provisions.
While federal policies play a crucial role,
We have analyzed the evolution of electricity generation in each state from 2001 to 2023, based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Discover the trends in your state below:
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2024-08-02 13:09:35
Original from www.nytimes.com
