Different regions have different levels of access to energy resources. Kentucky, for example, is rich in coal deposits. Texas produces more natural gas than any other state. Oregon has many accessible rivers. Regions that are lacking in large amounts of energy resources tend to import resources from other regions. Quite often, the most cost-effective choice in such regions is nuclear energy.

Question

The chart below shows the percentage of electric energy derived from different technologies in four different states.

State Coal Natural Gas Nuclear Hydro Other
Kentucky 95% <1% 0% 4% <1%
Texas 37% 49% 1% <1% <12%
Oregon 10% 24% 0% 63% 3%
New Hampshire 25% 1% 58% 7% 9%

Which of the following is the best explanation for the vast difference in energy resources used by different states?
A.
The choice of energy sources is normally based only on each source's environmental impact.
B.
States usually select nuclear energy because a large amount of energy can be produced from a small amount of fuel.
C.
States usually choose energy sources based on their access to natural resources.
D.
States usually choose to use energy resources that must be imported from other regions.

Answer 1

The best explanation for the vast difference in energy resources used by different states is:

C. States usually choose energy sources based on their access to natural resources.

This option reflects how the availability of local energy resources—such as coal in Kentucky, natural gas in Texas, hydroelectric potential in Oregon, and nuclear energy in New Hampshire—shapes the energy mix used in each state. States tend to utilize the resources that are most abundant and accessible within their own regions.