Power. It is, to turn a phrase, the fuel of our economy. For centuries, we have relied on fossil fuels to generate the power we need for our daily lives. Fossil fuels run the cars we drive and the appliances in our homes. But they come with a hefty price, both for our pocketbooks and the environment. We’ve put together some graphics to show how Massachusetts compares to other states on a variety of energy yardsticks.
Increases in CO2 emissions nationally between 1990 and 2007
Fuel mix
There’s a near 50-50 chance the television you’re watching is running on natural gas. That’s the main source–49 percent–for generating electricity for Massachusetts consumers while most of the country relies on coal. But those are just two of the fuels ranging from nuclear to wind used to generate the current that connects nearly every aspect of our daily lives.
Source: US Environmental Protection Agency
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