Spatial Distribution of Fuel Usage: Past and Present

1. Spatial Distribution of Fuel Usage: Past and Present Class Project ME 449 - Sustainable Air Quality Spring 2007 Matt Fishman Instructor: R. Husar

2. Coal Energy BBtu BBtu 1960 2003 1960 2003 MBtu/Person MBtu/Person Wyoming West Virginia In 1960, coal energy use was concentrated to the eastern United States. This area had easier access to the large coal stores in the Ohio river valley than the western states. By 2003, coal usage had spread west across the country thanks to new coal deposits discovered in Wyoming. However, the east still maintained its lead in overall usage.

3. All Petroleum Products BBtu BBtu 1960 2003 1960 2003 MBtu/Person MBtu/Person California Texas In 1960, petroleum products were being used mostly in states that had a shoreline. This was due to the large amount of oil imported into the country. For the most part, petroleum use has not increased dramatically in states that did not use it in the 60’s. It has increased in the other states, however.

4. Natural Gas Energy BBtu BBtu 1960 2003 1960 2003 MBtu/Person MBtu/Person California Texas In 1960, natural gas use was fairly widespread, with the majority of the use in Texas, California, Louisiana, and some states in the northeast. By 2003, the natural gas usage had increased, but the pattern of usage has not really altered. The major users are still the northeastern states, Texas, and California.

5. Nuclear Energy BBtu BBtu 1960 2003 1960 2003 MBtu/Person MBtu/Person South Carolina Illinois In 1960, nuclear power was not a major source of energy. There was little to no nuclear power energy being produced. By 2003, nuclear power has increased dramatically, with the majority of the use on the eastern and southeastern coastline.

6. Hydroelectric Energy BBtu BBtu 1960 2003 1960 2003 MBtu/Person MBtu/Person Nevada Washington In 1960, hydroelectric power only accounted for a small percentage of power generation. The northwestern states and the southeastern states utilized this power source the most. In 2003, the amount of hydroelectric power had increased in the same states as before. Only the western states generate a large portion of their power using this power source.

7. Geothermal Energy BBtu BBtu 1960 2003 1960 2003 MBtu/Person MBtu/Person Vermont California In 1960, geothermal energy was almost non-existent, with the exception of New York state. By 2003, more states had begun to use geothermal energy, but on a very small scale. California is the only state to create a substantial amount of energy using this method.

8. 2003 1960 Spatial Trend of Energy Consumption by Fuel Coal All Petroleum Natural Gas Hydroelectric Nuclear Geothermal *in BBtu

9. Summary of Spatial Distribution • The distribution of fuel usage per person is largely determined by the natural resources available • Hydroelectric: Northwest • Nuclear: East Coast • Petroleum: Mainly East Coast and Ohio River Valley • Coal: East Coast and Midwest • Natural Gas: Mainly Southern States, but widespread • Geothermal: West Coast and Northeast