MIDWEST REGIONAL SNAPSHOT

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

Throughout August and September, the Midwest and Appalachian region saw continued energy development as states work to meet rising demand while maintaining affordable, reliable energy. The Appalachian region now produces more natural gas than Iran, China, and Canada, trailing only Russia globally. This abundant domestic supply plays an important role in meeting energy needs, particularly as consumers prepare for winter.

Tennessee, West Virginia, and Oklahoma were named among the finalists for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses program, creating opportunities for new energy development and long-term investment.

Michigan regulators are examining how utilities demonstrate sufficient resources to meet future needs, while West Virginia is considering how to balance reliability, existing generation, and potential impacts on electricity costs. The U.S. Department of Energy also announced plans to support 31 grid-improvement projects across 26 states through its SPARK initiative, representing $5.25 billion in investment and more than 23 gigawatts of additional electricity capacity.

Midwest Director Zach Kent joined industry leaders at the Marcellus Shale Coalition’s Shale Insight Conference, engaging with policymakers and stakeholders on natural gas development, emerging technologies, and energy policy in the Marcellus and Utica Shales.

CEA EVP of Public Affairs & Communications Jeff Ostermayer attended the Posey County Area Planning Commission’s public hearing on data center development and provided public comment.