DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has
released a study showing that it is possible for the Western
power grid to draw 35% of its electricity from solar and wind
sources. The study notes that increased coordination among
utilities would be needed to reach that target.
In 2007, the average monthly residential electricity consumption was 936 kWh. (Source: EIA)
The United States makes up 5% of the world's population and accounts for 25% of total energy use.
Fossil fuels provide more than 85% of all the energy consumed in the US, nearly two-thirds of our electricity, and virtually all of our transportation fuels. (Source: DOE)
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)
Crude oil, taxes, refining, distribution and marking are the four main components that make up the retail price of a gallon of gasoline. (Source: EIA)
