With lower carbon emissions than coal, natural gas has often
been called the "bridge to a low-carbon future," a moniker
validated by a new analysis from the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (MIT). The study anticipates new natural gas
plants replacing old, inefficient coal plants by 2050.
In 2007, about 58% of the petroleum consumed in the U.S. was imported from foreign countries--primarily Canada, Saudia Arabia, Venezuela, Mexico and Nigeria. (Source: EIA)
55 of the world's 65 largest oil producing countries are past their production peaks and in decline.
Today’s challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the country’s steadily rising demand for electricity make it essential for legislatures and public utility commissions to shift their focus toward mechanisms that make demand reduction as profitable for utilities as increasing supply. (Source: Institute for 21st Century Energy)
Electricity generation accounts for about 40% of total U.S. energy consumption. (Source: Institute for 21st Century Energy)
Estimated energy demand is charted to grow by almost 50% in the next 20 years.
