Although Americans get 84% of total energy from oil, coal, and natural gas, a new report finds that overall, Americans used more energy in all forms - renewable, fossil and nuclear - in 2013. According to new data from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Americans used 2.3 quadrillion thermal units (quads) more in 2013 than they did in 2012. Wind energy showed a strong 18% growth, and natural gas prices increased slightly in 2013. This resulted in a shift from the recent reliance on more costly coal to cheaper-to-produce natural gas. However, the move contributed to increased CO2 emissions (a first since 2010). Nuclear energy use also was up, despite the fact that a few reactors, including the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in Pendleton, CA, were shut down. The majority of the energy used in 2013 was for electricity generation, followed by transportation, industrial, residential, and commercial, all of which increased slightly. To view the data in full, please visit: www.Ilnl.gov - New data suggests that the USA's efforts, however earnest, to make its energy cleaner and greener may be impeding its ability to reduce harmful carbon emissions.
