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.