Mapping the carbon intensity of state power supplies
A Chart of the Week feature maps the carbon intensity of electricity across U.S. states. The varying shades of blue show that the emissions profile of power supplies differs greatly by location. Readers can see how clean or dirty their state’s electricity is.
This visual feature compares the emissions tied to electricity generation across U.S. states. Through a blue color scale, it shows that power supplies have widely varying carbon profiles depending on location. Readers can locate their own state and gauge whether its electricity is relatively cleaner or more emissions-intensive. The map format makes a complex energy characteristic easier to scan and compare, highlighting that the climate impact of electricity is not uniform nationwide.
This mapping could help residents, policymakers, and businesses better understand the local emissions profile of their electricity. That awareness may influence decisions about energy use, purchasing, or investment, though the chart alone cannot explain causes or solutions. Communities in states with higher-intensity power supplies might face greater scrutiny, while cleaner states could attract attention as examples. Overall, the feature may support more informed public discussion about where electricity-related pollution comes from.