In 2014, the United States got 35% of its energy from petroleum, and experts project that demand for this fuel will rise at least through 2020. 

In 2014, the United States got 35% of its energy from petroleum, and experts project that demand for this fuel will rise at least through 2020. 

In 2014, the United States got 35% of its energy from petroleum, and experts project that demand for this fuel will rise at least through 2020. 

For decades, more than half of all residential energy use went  to space heating and cooling; in 1993, it accounted for nearly 60%. But EIA data show that by 2009, that share had dropped to 48%. And in the period 1993 to 2009, energy for appliances, electronics, and lighting rose from 24% to 35%, owing to the proliferation of appliances, as well as trends toward larger TVs and other devices.

There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.

There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.

There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.

Mining coal disturbs the land and modifies the chemistry of rainwater runoff, which in turn affects stream and river water quality.

Wood and waste biomass, along with biofuels, accounted for about 50% of the U.S. renewable energy supply in 2014, and more than 4% of all energy consumed. 

Wood and waste biomass, along with biofuels, accounted for about 50% of the U.S. renewable energy supply in 2014, and more than 4% of all energy consumed. 

Wood and waste biomass, along with biofuels, accounted for about 50% of the U.S. renewable energy supply in 2014, and more than 4% of all energy consumed. 

The United States imported approximately 27% of its oil. More than one-third of that came from Canada.

The United States imported approximately 27% of its oil. More than one-third of that came from Canada.

The United States imported approximately 27% of its oil. More than one-third of that came from Canada.

All of the reasons mentioned are considered obstacles to producing cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells.

All of the reasons mentioned are considered obstacles to producing cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells.

All of the reasons mentioned are considered obstacles to producing cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells.

Tidal energy is gravitational in origin. Solar energy comes from nuclear reactions in the sun.

Tidal energy is gravitational in origin. Geothermal energy comes from radioactive decay inside the earth.

Tidal energy is gravitational in origin. Solar energy comes from nuclear reactions in the sun, and geothermal energy comes from radioactive decay inside the earth.

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%. 

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%. 

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%.