PNNL

Abstract

The U.S. has become significantly more energy efficient since 1970. Still, the U.S. consumes almost twice as much energy per capita compared to the European Union. In fact, the U.S. consumes 26% of the world?s commercial energy but has just 4.5% of the world?s population (EIA 2001a). The 1973-74 oil crisis highlighted the need for a comprehensive energy policy to improve energy security. Policies to promote energy efficiency and decrease demand for energy imports took on heightened significance as a result. This article reviews changes in U.S. energy intensity over the last thirty years and provides some insights on how energy policy has affected energy intensity trends. It then highlights some of the key energy efficiency policies and programs in the U.S. at the national and state levels. The article concludes with thoughts on future policies and prospects.