Domestic production of energy in the United States totals 71.71 Quadrillion Btus. Fossil fuel production amounts to 56.50 Quadrillion Btus. The composition of energy types include: coal (23.48 quad Btus), natural gas (19.82 Quadrillion Btus), crude oil (10.80 Quadrillion Btus), natural gas-plant liquids (2.40 Quadrillion Btus), nuclear energy (8.41 Quadrillion Btus) and renewable energy (6.80 Quadrillion Btus).
Current U.S. Energy Consumption
In 2003 the average U.S. citizen used 25 barrels of oil (146.2 Million BTU), 76,000 cubic feet of natural gas (78.1 Million Btus), 3.4 metric tons of coal (76.5 Million Btus), and 3,500 Kilowatt hours of electricity (12 Million Btus). In total 312.8 Million Btus of energy was used by the average American. As a country, we used 101.60 Quadrillion Btus of energy in 2007. 29.89 Quadrillion Btus of annual energy deficit exists in the United States. To supplement this loss, America imports 34.60 Quadrillion Btus, mainly in the form of petroleum. The majority of energy used in the United States is used by the industrial sector (32.32 Quadrillion Btus). Transportation utilizes 29.10 Quadrillion Btus, residential uses 21.75 Quadrillion Btus, and the commercial sector uses 18.43 Quadrillion Btus. In total, 86.25 Quadrillion Btus of energy consumed in the United States comes from fossil fuels. The problem becomes apparent: the U.S. energy situation is one in which energy consumption exceeds energy production and we are wholly dependent on fossil fuels.
Energy flow showing U.S. production and consumption from 2007.
U.S. Energy Policy
In 1970, United States’ oil production peaked at 20.041 Quadrillion BTU. Our dependence on foreign oil has made the country vulnerable to an imminent energy collapse. Last year, the U.S. imported 4,711,238,000 barrels of crude oil and petroleum products. The majority shipped from Canada, Saudi Arabia and Mexico. The U.S. spent $440 billion (based on an average $90 per barrel).
Combustion of fossil fuels, such as petroleum, is one of the main contributors of carbon dioxide emissions. Under the Obama Administration, America has assumed an active role in reducing carbon emissions and revising our nation’s energy policies. One of the largest initiatives taken is to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2050. On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As part of a larger stimulus package to revive the sinking economy, $42 billion from the allocated $787 billion was put towards supporting and developing a “greener” economy. Spending went to myriad initiatives such as, the modernization of homes and businesses, tax breaks for consumers who purchase fuel-efficient vehicles, more efficient energy standards for appliances, and a carbon emissions “cap”. $15 billion each year for the next ten years will be invested in carbon-free energy and an additional $11 billion will be used to modernize the electrical grid. Companies are encouraged to invest in offshore clean energies like wind, waves, and ocean currents. In addition, fuel efficiency standard will be increased to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
Potential Energy Solutions
As an industrialized nation the United States must do its part in reducing carbon emissions. The 80% reduction of CO2 emissions can only happen with a combination of new energy policies and technologies. Carbon captures sequestration although a new technology shows promise in capturing CO2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. New energy efficient products, like household appliances: light bulbs, washing machines computers and hairdryers need to get into consumers’ hands. Energy education programs at schools and in local communities will facilitate the spread of information and increase energy awareness. Although new technologies and awareness are a vital component, carbon-free energy sources are the greatest area of promise. In total, alternative energy accounts for only 7% of U.S. energy consumption. These alternative energies include biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower and nuclear energy.
Carbon Capture Sequestration
The damaging effect of carbon emissions to the environment has led to the rise of discussions on carbon sequestration. Carbon Capture Sequestration (CCS) is the process of trapping and storing CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels and then placing them permanently in the ground. This technology is only developed in a few countries, such as Canada, Norway and Algeria. The U.S. has allocated funding for this technology. In 2009, as part of President Barack Obama’s Stimulus Package, $3.4 billion have been allocated for CCS research and development. This funding has resulted in the construction of the FutureGen Project in Mattoon, Illinois, the country’s first CCS power plant. Because coal still plays a prominent role as a global energy source, CCS is a fitting solution. Therefore, several industrialized countries have dedicated funding to the development of CCS.
Carbon sequestration: Direct and indirect sequestration systems.
America’s pursuit of a greener tomorrow will only be achieved with a combined effort focused on reducing fossil fuel emissions, educating Americans on energy consumption and investing in newer, cleaner energy sources. Although not perfect, US energy policy can serve as a model for other industrial and developing nations as they develop their own energy future.
Energy flow showing 
Carbon sequestration: Direct and indirect sequestration systems.
