US Energy Resources
Energy Production in the United States – Fossil Fuels
These maps show where the primary fossil fuel production resides in the United States. Take a close look at California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. The student activity will discuss these specific states.
Coal |
Natural Gas |
Oil (Petroleum) |
Click to enlarge |
Click to enlarge |
Click to enlarge |
Wyoming is the state producing the most coal. Northeastern Pennsylvania has one of the biggest deposits of anthracite coal. West Virginia, Illinois, Kentucky and Montana also have large coal reserves. |
Most natural gas resides in geographical areas called basins. States located on major basins have access to high levels of natural gas reserves. The map shows Texas has a very high concentration of natural gas, along with the Gulf of Mexico. |
Natural gas and oil are produced in similar areas because their deposits formed in a related way. Onshore oil production is the greatest in Texas, followed by Alaska and California. The Gulf of Mexico is a significant contributor to offshore oil production. |