Just how big of a deal is Pennsylvania when it comes to energy?
Well, we know the story of Titusville, where America’s oil rush started after Edwin L. Drake struck “black gold ” there in 1859. Oil quickly became one of the most valuable commodities in the United States.
Pennsylvania’s coal production and industrial prowess helped to power the nation to victory in World War II and fuel a manufacturing renaissance that gave us one of the strongest economies in the world.
Today, Pennsylvania is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the United State, behind only Texas.
Our commonwealth also is the only state with portions of two nationally funded clean hydrogen hubs located within its borders: the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) in southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and Delaware, and the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) in western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and West Virginia.
Need more?
Pennsylvania produces more power than it uses as the largest net exporter of electricity to PJM Interconnection, the operator of a regional electrical grid that serves 13 states, including Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
That’s why it’s not surprising to see Pennsylvania’s new U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick getting the top spot leading the Energy Subcommittee, which falls under the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The panel’s jurisdiction includes the Department of Energy’s national laboratories, energy production on federal land, conservation programs and electric utility policy.
Congratulations to Sen. McCormick. His post isn’t just important for Pennsylvania’s continued energy dominance, it’s a testament to everything this commonwealth has done for this country – and our allies overseas – and will continue to do through responsible energy development.