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Mississippi’s Emissions Plunged 95% Over a Decade, as Statewide GDP More than Doubled

Mississippi River Boat

Jackson, MS – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today released its Mississippi Emissions Analysis, which found that emissions declined by 95% across the state since 1990. This sharp drop is remarkable given that Mississippi’s Gross Domestic Product surged 206% over the same period.

This outstanding feat comes as electric power generation counted for two-thirds of Mississippi’s natural gas consumption, and provided almost three-fourths of its net electricity generation in 2019. CEA’s analysis illustrates that we can have energy production and meet the energy needs of Mississippi’s families, small businesses and industries while protecting our environment at the same time.

From 1990 to 2019, Mississippi’s emissions of key pollutants have decreased across the board, with a:

  • 95% reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2)
  • 64% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx)
  • 65% reduction in carbon monoxide (CO)
  • 44% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

These numbers are noteworthy given that Mississippi is one of the nation’s largest energy consumers per capita and more than 75% of its energy needs are met by oil and natural gas.

Moreover, while Mississippi’s emissions of key pollutants were plunging and the state’s economic growth was exploding by more than 200%, the population grew by 15% and Mississippians traveled 44% more, as measured by vehicle miles per capita. All three of these usually are accompanied by emissions increases, not decreases.

“Mississippi has proven environmental stewardship and energy independence are not mutually exclusive, a false idea that many anti-energy extremists propagate,” CEA Gulf Coast Director Kaitlin Schmidtke said. “These emissions improvements are occurring while the United States has become the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas, proving that rigorous environmental standards and energy production can coexist. The data is clear, and Mississippians should be proud of the work that their industries and policymakers have taken to sustain these tremendous reductions in emissions across the board.”

“Mississippi is a leading example of how we can experience significant growth in our economy and population and meet the energy needs of families and businesses across the state – all while achieving drastic reductions in emissions and being stewards of the environment,” Schmidtke said. “We thank Mississippi’s policymakers for recognizing the importance of this work, as well their understanding that the state and the nation benefit from expanded exploration and production access in the Gulf of Mexico –proof that we can produce energy reliably, affordably and in an environmentally responsible way.”

This analysis follows CEA’s Energy Savings Report for Mississippi, which found that Mississippi consumers saved more than $9.7 billion from 2008-2018 in large part because of affordable natural gas. Mississippi’s households saved over $1.2 billion and industries, including aerospace and advanced manufacturing facilities, saved more than $7.3 billion.

Not only is affordable energy essential to Mississippi’s families and small business operations, COVID-19 has shown how essential it is to our national supply chains and manufacturing infrastructure. All Mississippians benefit from a strong energy industry and reliable energy infrastructure.

With more than 186,000 Mississippians now suffering from unemployment and small businesses and manufacturers across the state reeling from the economic downturn, it’s important to highlight the 81,600 jobs and more than $7.8 billion in economic impact that the energy industry has brought to the state.

To view the analysis, click here.

Expanded Domestic Energy Production, Pipeline Infrastructure Directly Benefits American Families, Farmers and Small Businesses

Man holding American flag

Washington, D.C. – Following remarks by President Donald Trump in Midland, TX, today on the economic benefits seen by American families, farmers and small businesses from expanded domestic energy production and pipeline infrastructure, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) Federal Affairs Advisor Michael Zehr released the following statement:

“We applaud the Administration’s continued efforts to promote domestic production of both traditional and renewable energy. As the President noted today, expanded domestic production of oil and gas has benefited families, farmers and small businesses across the country. Continued, responsible development of our domestic resources and pipeline infrastructure will provide much-needed economic opportunities and jobs for Americans as we recover from the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The United States is not only one of the largest producers of oil and gas in the world, but also one of the most efficient and environmentally sound producers. For our economy to prosper and environment to improve, U.S. leadership in oil and gas production is absolutely essential.”

Energizing the U.S. Supply Chain

supply chain

There are few things that bring vulnerabilities out into the open like a crisis. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic is no exception. In addition to the loss of human life and a pummeled U.S. economy, there is evidence almost everywhere you look that the pandemic has hit this country’s supply chain harder than many of us would have imagined possible.

There’s no doubt that the innovation with which U.S. manufacturers have responded to the pandemic is inspiring. Across the country, manufacturers are figuring out ways to pivot, very quickly, from motor oil, which is less in demand since so many of us are staying at home, to hand sanitizer, which is more in demand than ever thanks to COVID-19.

To make these switches and to provide the country what it needs, it’s crucial that those manufacturers continue to have access to forms of energy that are affordable, accessible, and have an indisputable track record for getting the job done. As was the case after the Great Depression in the 1930s with the Works Progress Administration, energy is the muscle that helps drives economic recovery. As this video demonstrates, energy is a key player when the economy rebounds. And it needs to be a key player as we strive to recover from the economic crisis we’re in the midst of right now, by making our supply chain as robust as possible.

A quick history

Given the history and current state of the American supply chain, its inability to stand up to the pandemic should hardly come as a surprise. Simply put, the U.S. supply chain is no longer in our great industrial cities, such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit. It’s in places like China, India, and Taiwan.

Looking back, the phenomenal amount of growth the U.S. experienced in the twentieth century confirmed our standing on the global stage. That ascension began as a concept, with a vision of our own manufacturing processes. It was then brought to life by building infrastructure powered by various forms of energy, which for many decades, supported numerous industries as well as America’s economic might.

Technology changed everything. American industry continued to innovate and evolve; the free-market economy gave rise to a global economy, much of which takes place far beyond American shores. Often, with cheaper raw materials, labor, and production costs in places like Cambodia and Bangladesh, manufacturing overseas is cheaper overall. This puts the onus of making things for Americans on manufacturing plants in other countries. As COVID-19 has shown us, it also puts us in a bind when there’s an emergency.

A global pandemic

Earlier this year, much of the world went into a strict lockdown. But in the U.S., where we cherish our civil liberties, completely shutting down has been much more challenging. Also challenging for many was the sudden, often harsh realization that not everything we needed and wanted was available. From ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE) to testing materials and medications are great examples of where we saw some of the most vital international supply chain failures.

Twitter was aghast:

What do you mean we don’t have tests? Where are they? Who is hoarding them? Isn’t this America? Who exactly is running this country, anyhow?

The fact of the matter is that answering any of these questions takes up more characters than Twitter allows, and requires more time than what’s typically allotted on a typical news program. They’re called supply chains for a reason. While some may think of a supply chain only from a shipping standpoint, much of the goods we use are part of a larger supply chain, which includes not only the transportation and shipping element but also the manufacturing and the retail portion as well.

It hasn’t just been medical supplies; it’s been toilet paper, board games, bakeware, fitness equipment, and office supplies.

Like many things, all of the examples listed above include raw materials and components from around the world. Unlike the U.S., many countries shut down earlier and often, into complete lockdown. The subsequent unavailability of these products led to a state of confusion and panic we haven’t experienced in a long while, one we’ll hopefully learn from to better respond to the next pandemic.

Let’s give our supply chain the energy it needs

In the meantime, now would be a great time to resist the urge to turn everything into a political contest. Regardless of presidents, parties, and even policies, it’s more important than ever to make sure that the manufacturers who still produce essentials right here in the U.S. have the energy they need. So they can pivot from making car parts to making ventilators or motor oil to hand sanitizer, both of which are stellar examples of ingenuity at its best, and one that reminds us that we must not lose sight of the importance of energy.

And for now, that energy needs to be from proven sources that have stood the test of time. While it would be short-sighted at best to discontinue exploring how new forms of energy might be used in the future, now is not the time for experimentation. There’s a global crisis in progress and more uncertainty of the horizon on the horizon. The American supply chain must be properly energized to respond accordingly.

CEAs Top Five Energy Stories in the News – July 24

After a packed week of news, make sure you grab your boxed wine paired with Cheeze-Its (yes, that’s a thing) and jump into the news! Everyone’s talking about Mike Tyson heading back to the ring and Taylor Swift’s new album drop that beat out Kanye West’s upcoming album “Donda.”  Tay-Tay’s latest even has an energy nod referencing Rebekah Harkness, the wife of Standard Oil heir William Hale Harkness.


While some of us feel old as the movie “Clueless” turns 25, not everyone is lumping themselves into the same category. In fact, for anyone feeling old out there, you can always take selfie tips from 78-year old Martha Stewart by checking out her perfect pool selfie that had Instagram buzzing.

Speaking of perfect images, don’t miss this video capturing a lightning strike behind the Statue of Liberty. Finally, before you start worrying about our national coin shortage, don’t miss this story about a new mysterious ‘blue hole’ discovered off Florida’s Gulf Coast. While there were plenty of exciting things this week, we’re sure there are also some exciting pieces of energy news to get you ready for the weekend. As always, you can check out last week’s list here.

1A glimpse at Puerto Rico’s proposed ocean-powered energy plant

Puerto Rico announced plans to construct a deep-ocean energy complex, which will include an experimental 500-kilowatt ocean thermal energy conversion plant. If completed, it would be the largest generator of its type in the world. (Oooooo. Ahhhhhhhh) Bloomberg explains how frigid ocean water pumped more than a mile beneath the surface will power it.

2Pittsburgh’s new microgrid is making news

Construction started on a microgrid for Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), marking a first-of-its-kind initiative among major U.S. airports. Utility Dive breaks down the microgrid components, including five natural gas-fired generators and nearly 7,800 solar panels – expected to produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 13,000 homes.

3Talk about frontline heroes – how about the amazing roughneck U.S. cowboys who drilled Britain’s secret WWII oil wells

There is new attention to the little-known story of a small group of Americans who searched for “black gold” in the heart of besieged Britain decades ago. CNET tells the amazing energy story of what happened when Oklahoman oilmen were stationed with English monks.

4In 2020, we needed the new electric Mustang

Trying to push the limits of electric vehicle performance, Ford created an electric Mustang Mach-E SUV with seven electric motors that can produce a total of up to 1,400 horsepower. Vroom vroom! CNN Business reveals how this new “one-of-a-kind demonstration car” was created to show the potential of electric vehicles and to help engineers to research ways to increase their power.

5The longer the blades, the better the costs

Energy Department researchers found that longer wind turbine blades manufactured over the last decade have allowed wind developers to produce more power. E&E News reports on how the increase in average blade size is a primary determinant of the size of the circular path traveled by the blades.

It’s Possible to Protect Florida’s Environment While Also Ensuring Energy Security

Hallandale Beach Florida

Lately, it seems that everywhere we go today we are presented with false choices. The classic either-or dilemma. They usually look something like this:

“You’re either with us or against us!”
“You either like animals or you don’t!”
“It’s either black or it’s white!”
“You either go to college or you aren’t smart!”

We know that’s not true. Life is always a series of choices, and even when it feels like there isn’t a choice, usually you can sit down and think of better options or find compromises that will work. Below, Colburn Classroom demonstrates how false choices show up in our lives through an excerpt from The Simpsons.

An example of a false choice that we are seeing more of is around energy development and the environment, particularly in Florida where we’re preparing for the expiration of the ban on offshore oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) in 2022. Activist groups insist that if you care about the environment you can’t support responsible exploration for natural resources off our coasts using pictures meant to scare and dissuade people from any rational conversation. It’s the perfect advertising.

But – to say there is no safe distance is the first fallacy. From the map below, readers can see there are over 1,800 active offshore rigs that are currently operational in the Gulf of Mexico, enough to cause carpal tunnel trying to connect all the dots.

Unfortunately, what these activists groups may not know – or may not have considered – is that saying “No” and not trying to find solutions will actually HAVE an impact on Florida. That’s right, doing nothing could threaten Florida’s energy, environmental, and economic goals. So even though policymakers have said they will issue an offshore ban, what they’re really doing is putting their heads in the sand. Remember, elected officials are voted into office to make a difference and to find solutions – and that is what we need in Florida. Now, it’s up to the state’s Delegation to bring home the biggest environmental win in Florida’s history.

Without action before 2022, drilling could happen nine miles off the Gulf Coast and three miles off the rest of Florida’s coastline. No one wants that…

 

…The contours of a long-term compromise must include encouraging the ongoing cooperation between the Departments of Defense and Interior that have kept military operations, fishing, and oil and gas exploration happening in harmony in the rest of the Gulf. And we must also advocate to ensure that any exploration happen far from land, to preserve our amazing views and protect our precious coastline. And a deal must be long-term, so we do not have to go back to Congress every five or 10 years.

 

Done right, the compromise can also generate tens of millions of dollars for coastal conservation and hurricane protection. Our neighboring Gulf States this year split nearly $353 million in revenue sharing under GOMESA, all of which will go to those noble goals.

 

Tampa Bay Times – Florida Must Take the Lead in Protecting Itself and Its Future Energy Security

It won’t just be our economy that suffers from another ban, it will be our schools, our military, and our coasts.

…and healthcare for our senior citizens…

…and even the 14.5 percent of unemployed Floridians who are our friends and family that have been laid off prior to or during the COVID lockdown.

And while our elected officials play political games, offshore energy exploration will begin this year, off Florida’s coast, and there will be no benefit to either our state or our nation…

What if I told you that this whole scenario was being advanced by leaders of a state whose economy is more dependent than Florida’s on pristine beaches and tourism.

 

For years, anti-energy activists have warned about the unacceptable risks of oil drilling off of our coasts. The risks to tourism, the risks to the military, the risks to the climate, the risks to civilization as we know it…all while globetrotting on private aircraft that use fossil fuels….

 

…That’s because it is not a state or the federal government that is doing this; it is a country: the Bahamas. And the drilling? It is actually off of Florida’s East Coast.

 

The Floridian – Oil Drilling Off Florida Will Begin This Year…and Trump Had Nothing to Do With It

That’s why it is more important than ever for our elected leaders to work with the Gulf States who are united in support of offshore opportunities and other key stakeholders to try and find a compromise to the bill that is expiring. With so many things at stake, don’t we want to be at the bargaining table?

The contours of a long-term compromise must include encouraging the ongoing cooperation between the Departments of Defense and Interior that have kept military operations, fishing, and oil and gas exploration happening in harmony in the rest of the Gulf. And we must also advocate to ensure that any exploration happen far from land, to preserve our amazing views and protect our precious coastline. And a deal must be long-term, so we do not have to go back to Congress every five or 10 years.

 

Done right, the compromise can also generate tens of millions of dollars for coastal conservation and hurricane protection. Our neighboring Gulf States this year split nearly $353 million in revenue sharing under GOMESA, all of which will go to those noble goals.

 

Julio Fuentes – Tampa Bay Times – Florida Must Take the Lead in Protecting Itself and Its Future Energy Security

As one of the top energy importers, Florida is especially vulnerable to price fluctuations which often affect our state’s families and businesses, but it also affects anyone who is looking to travel or plan a vacation in our state. Why not have a say in our state’s energy policy? That is why we voted our officials into office – to be our voice – but also to listen to our voices. It’s time our leaders stop politicking and start creating energy solutions with leaders from the Gulf States. Our coastlines, our military, our schools, and our environment need it the most.

Want to reach out to your Senator and let them know we need a longterm offshore plan? Contact them at the links below!

Marco Rubio: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/home

Rick Scott: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/

If you want to find out who your Representatives are to let them know you want longterm protections, click here to locate your district!

Alabama’s Emissions Have Plunged by as Much as 93% Since 1990, Even While Statewide GDP More than Doubled

Kids outdoors

Montgomery, AL – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today released its Alabama Emissions Analysis, which found that emissions have been reduced by as much as 93 percent across the state since 1990. This sharp drop in emissions – which typically increase with increased economic activity – are all the more remarkable given that Alabama’s Gross Domestic Product surged 223 percent over the same period.

This outstanding feat comes as Alabama ranks sixth in the U.S. for power generation, with natural gas supplying 40 percent of the state’s electricity. This analysis illustrates that we can have energy production and meet the energy needs of Alabama’s families, small businesses and industries while protecting our environment at the same time.

From 1990 to 2019, Alabama’s emissions of key pollutants have decreased across the board, with a:

  • 93% reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2)
  • 68% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx)
  • 47% reduction in carbon monoxide (CO)
  • 36% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

These numbers are even more noteworthy considering Alabama is one of the nation’s largest energy consumers per capita and more than 62 percent of Alabama’s energy needs are met by oil and natural gas.

Moreover, while Alabama’s emissions of key pollutants were plunging and the state’s economic growth was exploding by more than 200 percent, Alabamians traveled 39 percent more in vehicle miles per capita and the population grew 21 percent. All three of these usually are accompanied by emissions increases, not decreases.

“Alabama has proven than environmental stewardship and energy independence are not mutually exclusive, a false idea that many anti-energy extremists propagate,” CEA Gulf Coast Director Kaitlin Schmidtke said. “The data is clear, and Alabamans should be proud of the work that their industries and government officials have taken to sustain these tremendous reductions in emissions across the board.”

This analysis follows CEA’s Energy Savings Report for Alabama, which found that Alabama consumers saved more than $15.3 billion from 2008-2018 in large part because of affordable natural gas. Alabama’s households saved over $1.6 billion and industries, including automotive assembly plants and metals manufacturing facilities, saved more than $12.5 billion. Not only is affordable energy essential to Alabama’s families and small business operations, COVID-19 has shown how essential it is to our national supply chains and manufacturing infrastructure. All Alabamians benefit from a strong energy industry and reliable energy infrastructure.

With more than 283,000 Alabamians now suffering from unemployment and small businesses and manufacturers across the state reeling from the economic downturn, let us not forget the 124,000 jobs and more than $13.2 billion in economic impact that the energy industry has brought to the state.

“Alabama is a perfect example for the nation as to how we can meet the energy needs of families and small businesses, bolster our economy and industries and be stewards of the environment all at the same time,” Schmidtke said. “We thank Alabama’s policymakers for recognizing the importance of this work, as well their understanding that the state and the nation benefit from expanded exploration and production access in the Gulf of Mexico – which is proof that we can produce energy reliably, affordably and in an environmentally responsible way.”

Line 5 Tunnel Project Best Bet for Michigan

Pipeline welder

With Michigan looking forward to an economic recovery as the state begins reopening, grandstanding politicians continue to impede putting Americans back to work, rebuilding our infrastructure, and keeping energy prices affordable.

When a politician feels an immense burden is weighing them down, there is only one acceptable solution to show how much of a burden it is — set up a task force to study the issue.

 

It matters little however many previous task forces have been convened, whether earlier efforts created a bipartisan solution, or even if courts have ruled against politically-motivated, taxpayer-funded lawsuits time after time. It’s never enough, at least when common sense has given way to posturing…

 

…Line 5 has been the center of task force discussions since 2014. The Pipeline Task Force sponsored an in-depth analysis looking at Line 5 and all of the available alternatives to supply Michigan with the energy needed to meet basic economic demand in the most environmentally responsible way. Michigan’s Legislature then took this under consideration, and in 2018 achieved a bipartisan consensus, laying the groundwork for the Line 5 tunnel project to safely route the existing pipeline through solid rock up to 200 feet below the lake bed.

Read more – The Detroit News

Perry’s Memorial Could Benefit From Portman Bill

Perry's Monument

Chris Ventura, CEA’s Midwest Executive Director examines how revenue from federal energy leases across the country is being invested in Ohio’s national parks.

The monument may soon get nearly $50 million in repairs, and other National Park Service attractions will also benefit from Sen. Rob Portman’s bill to create a $12 billion National Park Service restoration fund.

Royalties paid to the federal government from offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration pay for this effort, which came closer to reality with the passage of Great American Outdoors Act on June 17.

Read more – Fremont News Messenger

CEAs Top Five Energy Stories – July 17

Top 5

Happy World Emoji Day! 🤗 🎉 It’s update time across platforms so you can enjoy those new emojis coming out from Google and Apple. While you wait for the download to perform, check out the closest-ever photos of the sun that were just unveiled. That’s right, NASA and the European Space Agency released the first data from the joint Solar Orbiter mission on its 65 million-mile journey to the sun. In other news, Americans won’t be seeing Prime Day from Amazon this month, but there is Black Friday in July to help those that may be in need of some retail therapy. Speaking of quarantine, after more states re-evaluate their re-opening policies, you might need another round of entertainment, and if you are like us and aren’t sure what movies to watch, books to read or music to listen to after being quarantined for months already, here are 100 favorites that might inspire you! Speaking of inspiration, we want to inspire you to learn more about energy. With that, here is some energy news to get you ready for the weekend. As always, if you missed last week’s list you can find it here.

1Burgers and fries with a side of renewable energy

A remodeled McDonald’s near Disney will have new renewable energy features like solar panels. Orlando Sentinel highlights how it will aim to generate all of its own energy on-site, including solar panels for parking lot lights as well as more than 1,060 panels on its roof.

2Instead of “supersized” meals, how about supersized wind turbines?

A new study published by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has shown that “supersized wind turbines” can potentially enhance the value of wind energy. Renew Economy discusses how a broader set of factors could impact the value of wind energy to the electricity grid.

The Army Is building an anti-gravity, water-purifying solar panel

Scientists from the University of Rochester and the U.S. Army have worked together on a new solar water-purifying technology, where an aluminum panel works against gravity by drawing water up through a microcapillary system. Popular Mechanic breaks down how the panel can be used to catch the most sun anywhere in the world.

3American companies are racing to the garbage dump…for hydrogen fuel

In the race to commercialize technology that can turn waste into hydrogen fuel, companies are now looking at using the world’s trash as the raw feedstock to produce hydrogen. Wired shines a light on how this fuel of the future could power our homes, planes, cars, and more.

4West Texas has a new solar project

A solar developer and electric power company began commercial operations of a 280-megawatt solar project in Nolan County, about 50 miles west of Abilene. The Houston Chronicle reports on how this 1,300-acre site can provide enough power for 40,000 homes.

FERC Modernizes Outdated Public Utility Rules to Lower Energy Costs for Consumers

A couple paying their utility bills

Washington, D.C.  – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading voice for sensible energy policies for families and businesses, applauds the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) action to modernize its regulations under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), a law from the 1970s that was inhibiting innovation and unnecessarily raising energy costs for consumers.

“We applaud FERC Chairman Chatterjee for his leadership and commitment to updating PURPA. Not only will this modernization help energy consumers, but it will also encourage faster renewable growth in a more cost-effective manner,” said CEA Federal Affairs Advisor Michael Zehr.

Congress passed PURPA in the aftermath of the 1970 national energy crisis to enhance and diversify electric generation capacity and promote competition at a time when the price and availability of future energy sources were grim. Unfortunately, these outdated requirements have for years forced consumers nationwide to pay for power they didn’t need in what amounted to a hidden subsidy. In the past five years alone, consumers have overpaid by as much as $2.3 billion.

“FERC’s action will give states more flexibility and allow states, instead of the federal government, to determine how to sign power agreements to decrease the probability of paying for overpriced, long-term contracts. By improving these regulations, FERC is helping to ensure renewable energy can grow while allowing affordable supplies of energy to reach families and small businesses.”

“Since the 1970s, the world and energy markets have changed significantly. Thank you to FERC for bringing PURPA into the 21st century.”

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