Energy Use in the United States

The United States of America is the world’s largest energy producer and consumer. We use more energy per person and produce more carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases than any other country in the world.

Most of the energy we use in the United States comes from burning fossil fuels.

Electricity

Burning coal is the most common method of producing electricity in this country. At the moment, only 1% of the electricity that we use in our homes and businesses comes from renewable energy sources, such as geothermal, solar and wind.

You can help by:

Reducing your energy use at home; and considering a switch to a company that provides electricity from renewable energy sources, if available in your area.

Automobiles

Because many Americans own automobiles, and we tend to use them a lot, we consume large quantities of gasoline and diesel fuel. In fact, we use more gasoline per person than any other country in the world.

You can help by:

Using the car less often; and choosing to walk, ride a bicycle or take public transportation instead.

Energy – Facts and Figures

Around 85% of the energy we use comes from burning fossil fuels.

How we use this energy:

  • Commercial – 16%
  • Residential – 20%
  • Transport – 27%
  • industrial – 37%

Learn more about energy

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