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Get unbiased data and visuals on energy, climate, natural resources, and environmental protection.
Just the Facts about US energy use, production, and environmental impact
Wind, fossil fuel, solar: Get the facts on how America keeps its lights on. Plus, some good environmental news.
Where do tornadoes do the most damage?
Texans have coped with the highest death and injury tolls from tornados in recent years, while Floridians have dealt with the most property damage. Which states have the most tornadoes? Between 2020 and 2024, every state except Hawaii recorded at least one tornado, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data. Texas, the largest state in the continental US by land area, recorded 516, for an annual average of 103.2. The states with the next-highest totals were Illinois (491) and Iowa (462) while the largest state overall, Alaska, had one.
May 2, 2025What does the Department of Agriculture do?
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for developing and executing federal policies on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues. Its functions include supporting farmers and ranchers, ensuring food safety, promoting agricultural trade, conserving natural resources and the environment, and addressing hunger both domestically and internationally. It was established in 1862.
Updates annuallyHow much land do wildfires burn in the US?
Wildfires burn over 7 million acres of land in the US annually, with fire suppression costing an average of $3.0 billion according to estimates from the National Interagency Fire Center. How many wildfires happen in the US? Since 1983, federal fire agencies have tracked 2.9 million wildfires across 216 million combined acres. That’s more than twice the area of California. From 2014 to 2023, an annual average of 62,277 wildfires have burned an average of 7.02 million acres. Total annual acres eclipsed 10 million three times in that period: in 2015, 2017, and 2020.
Jan 8, 2025Is the US a bigger oil importer or exporter?
In 2023, the US exported more crude oil and petroleum products than it imported.Petroleum and petroleum product exports totaled about 10.15 million barrels per day (b/d), while imports were about 8.53 million b/d resulting in a -1.7 million b/d difference.Crude oil is a fossil fuel. Petroleum products are made from refined crude oil and include things like jet fuel and gasoline.Prior to October 2019, the US consistently imported more petroleum and crude oil than it exported. October 2019 was the first month the exports exceeded imports. It’s been a net exporter in all but seven months since then.
Sep 24, 2024How many electric cars are on the road in the United States?
Americans are traveling more and more miles in their cars.At the same time, transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions are rising.Vehicle miles traveled by light-duty vehicles — which include passenger cars and smaller trucks — increased 47% between 1990 and 2022. And in 2022, transportation accounted for the most greenhouse gas emissions of any sector in the US: 28%. Light-duty vehicles were the largest source of emissions in this sector.The US has invested in electric vehicle production to curb rising emissions, setting a goal to reach 50% electric vehicle sales by 2030.What are electric vehicles? What types are there?The Energy Department defines electric-drive vehicles as those that “use electricity as their primary power source or to improve the efficiency of conventional vehicle designs.” Electric-drive vehicles fall into three categories under this definition:Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are powered by a conventional gasoline or diesel engine and by an electric motor that uses energy from both the engine and a battery. The engine powers the battery’s charge.Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are like HEVs but have an extra battery for the option of electric-only driving. They can run on gas alone but must be plugged in to use their electric features.All-electric vehicles (EVs) run on electricity alone. They have a larger battery that powers an electric motor and are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source.The term “electric vehicle” is sometimes used to describe all-electric vehicles exclusively. However, it can also refer to plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars since both can be operated using electricity alone. A more specific term for this combination is “plug-in electric vehicle.”People who purchase all-electric or plug-in electric vehicles may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on the vehicle make and model as well as their income.
Sep 6, 2024Are major natural disasters increasing?
The number of natural weather disasters with damages of more than a billion dollars has increased over the last forty years, from an average 3.3 per year in the 1980s to 17+ from 2014–2023.The National Centers for Environmental Information has kept track of billion-dollar natural disasters since 1980 and cites increased exposure, vulnerability, and climate change as reasons for the increase.Are billion-dollar natural disasters becoming more frequent?Of the 10 years with the most natural disasters, nine were in the last decade.Since 1980, there have been 395 natural weather disasters in the US with total costs over $1 billion in 2024 dollars, including 201 severe storms, 63 tropical cyclones (or hurricanes), 44 floods, 31 droughts, 24 winter storms, 23 wildfires, and nine freezes. In total, these disasters cost $2.77 trillion (adjusting for inflation) and took the lives of nearly 16,500 people.The bulk of these events happened post-1990: In the 1980s, there were a total of 33 billion-dollar natural disaster events, with 2,994 deaths. In the last 10 full years (2014–2023), this number rose to 173, resulting in 5,872 deaths. All told, nearly 40% of the billion-dollar climate events that have hit the US since 1980 happened between 2017 and the present day.
Sep 6, 2024What kinds of energy does the US use?
What powers the US? Petroleum. In 2023, petroleum was the nation’s most-consumed energy source, accounting for over a third (38%) of all energy usage. Natural gas was also over a third (36%). The remaining energy consumption was from nuclear electric power, coal, and renewable energy, all at 9% each.How has US energy consumption changed over time?CoalCoal consumption was on par with natural gas as recently as 2006. But, like coal production, consumption has declined, dropping 64% since its peak in 2005. The electric power sector now uses more efficient, lower heat content coal, which requires less coal to produce energy. This more efficient coal type has led to lower consumption.Coal consumption is now at similar levels to nuclear energy, and renewables, all around 8 quadrillion British thermal units (BTUs) per year. At coal’s peak in 2005, consumption was 22.8 BTUs per year.
Sep 5, 2024What are the top energy production sources in the US?
For 61 years, the United States has used more energy than it’s produced. That changed in 2019, when production surpassed consumption — and it’s remained that way since.
Sep 4, 2024What does the Forest Service do?
The Forest Service (FS) is a subdivision of the US Department of Agriculture responsible for managing public lands in national forests and grasslands. The agency's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands to meet the needs of present and future generations. It provides leadership in the protection, management, and use of the nation's forest resources, ensuring their long-term sustainability. It was established in 1905.
Updates annuallyWhat are the main sources of US greenhouse gas emissions?
In 2021, US transportation released more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector: more than 1.8 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, or 28.5% of emissions overall.Since 1990, emissions have increased for the transportation, agricultural, and residential sectors, as well as US territories. Conversely, emissions from the electric power, industrial, and commercial sectors have all declined.However, power plants disproportionately account for the highest greenhouse gas emissions, with 90 of the top 100 emitting facilities being power generation sites in 2022.How much greenhouse gas does the US emit?In 2021, the US emitted 6,340 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent metric tons. That’s 2.3% lower than measured in 1990, and 15.6% lower than 2007, when the US hit its recorded peak of 7,511 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.For context, a typical passenger vehicle in the US emits an average of 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. 2021 emissions were equivalent to over 1.4 billion cars driving – equal to about one metric ton for every 2,500 miles.While total emissions have declined marginally since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions per person have seen a steeper decrease over the last 31 years.
Jan 19, 2024What is carbon capture and storage?
From electric vehicle charging stations to renewable energy, the US is increasingly turning to new technology to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.One emerging technology is carbon capture and storage, and some of the $369 billion in climate and clean energy incentives in 2022’s Inflation Reduction Act includes funds for such projects. While the carbon capture industry is still emerging, it is set up to play an important role in achieving net zero emissions in the coming decades.How does carbon capture work?Carbon capture and storage is a process that captures carbon dioxide emissions, compresses, transports, and stores it deep underground. The carbon capture occurs either at carbon-emitting sources such as coal-fired power plants, known as point source capture, or directly from the atmosphere, known as direct air capture. It is then transferred to large-scale storage facilities and stored in formations such as natural saline reservoirs, depleted oil/gas fields, or other stable formations with high capacities.Carbon capture traps carbon dioxide that’s already been generated. This differs from renewable energy, which produces energy with fewer emissions, and carbon offsets, which permit purchasers to create some emissions in exchange for a fee to fund greenhouse gas reduction.How many carbon capture projects are active? Where are they located?A Department of Energy database identified 417 carbon capture projects as of January 2023. Of these projects, 169 are active. The rest are completed, on hold, potential, or terminated.
Mar 28, 2023What is the economic impact of recycling in the United States?
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) most recent Recycling Economic Information Report calls recycling “a critical part” of the US economy, responsible for 681,000 American jobs. The report estimates that recycling-related jobs provide $37.8 billion in annual employee wages and that the recycling industry contributes $5.5 billion in annual tax revenue. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also tracks several different occupations in recycling, including drivers, sorters, mechanics, facility and route managers, and sales representatives.
Dec 26, 2023How many people die from extreme heat in the US?
For many Americans, managing high summer temperatures has become a fact of life. Unfortunately, the human toll of these longer and more intense heat waves is also increasing.Heat waves — defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as periods of two or more days where the weather is “abnormally and uncomfortably hot” and “outside the historical averages for a given area” — have become more frequent and longer in duration since the middle of the 20th century. In April 2023, 69.7 million Americans lived in counties experiencing higher temperatures than the 20th-century normal.In 2023, Americans are increasingly grappling with prolonged heat waves — sometimes dubbed “heat domes” or “heat islands” by the Environmental Protection Agency — even in areas accustomed to particularly high heat. Phoenix, Arizona, for example, registered an average daily high temperature of 114.7 degrees Fahrenheit in July.
Aug 22, 2023Did releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve impact gas prices?
Beginning in November 2021, President Joe Biden’s administration has used the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to combat rising gas prices. In March of 2022, the administration announced a new release of 180 million barrels of oil into the supply chain, the most in the reserve’s history. As a result, the total amount of oil in the SPR decreased by more than 20% between November 2021 and July 2022.A report released by the Treasury Department indicates that the effort did initially impact gas prices.While the SPR’s main function is to protect the country from oil shortages, past sales of crude oil from the reserve were used to generate revenue for the federal government. These types of sales have increased since 2017.
Apr 6, 2023Which cities are experiencing longer and more intense heat waves?
Since the 1960s, heat waves across the US have consistently become more frequent, lasted longer, and been more intense.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines heat waves as periods of two or more days where the weather is “abnormally and uncomfortably hot” and “outside the historical averages for a given area.” Heat waves can lead to crop damage, increased wildfires, illness, and even death from heat stroke.The EPA has tracked the heat waves of 49 metropolitan areas in the US since the 1960s. Among these, 43 have had statistically significant increases in the length of their heat wave seasons, 27 have had increases in the length of heat waves, and 16 have had increases in heat wave intensity.Where is heat wave season lasting longer?Heat wave seasons, defined as the number of days between the first and last heat wave of a year, are growing longer for US cities. In the 1960s, heat wave seasons lasted around 24 days on average. In the 2020s, that number reached 73 days. Early spring or late fall heat waves can be dangerous, as people might be surprised and not adequately prepared.Among the cities studied by the EPA, San Francisco has had the greatest increase in heat wave season length. On average, heat waves there lasted over three months longer than they did in the 1960s, a 111 day increase. Heat wave seasons also increased by more than 90 days in New Orleans and Tampa, Florida.
May 31, 2023How many dams does America have?
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the US has 91,804 dams across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam.Approximately 65% of all dams are privately owned, while federal, state, and local government agencies own 31%. The remaining 4% belong to public utility companies and tribal governments, or remain unlisted. Federal agencies, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the US Army Corps of Engineers, or the Bureau of Land Management, own and operate 5,399 dams.
Nov 16, 2023Is the US energy independent?
In the past decade, US domestic energy production has increased faster than any other time in history. This rapid growth has prompted government officials, including former President Donald Trump, to claim that the US is now energy independent.But while it’s true the US now exports more energy than it imports, the nation still relies on foreign oil to some degree for the energy it needs.The need for foreign oil is largely due to a need for heavy crude oil by the refining industry, which is harder to come by in the US.This need for foreign energy is not new. Since 2007, every president has signed legislation to reduce energy imports and increase domestic production of oil and natural gas. And energy independence is still a stated goal of government officials across the political spectrum.
May 14, 2023What does the Department of the Interior do?
The Department of the Interior (Interior, DOI) is an executive branch agency responsible for managing federal lands, natural resources, and cultural heritage. Its functions include overseeing national parks and other protected lands, regulating natural resource extraction, upholding tribal relations and trust responsibilities, and preserving the environment. It was established in 1849.
Updates annuallyHow have oil prices changed in the US?
The spot price for a barrel of oil more than doubled between 2020 and 2022, from an average of $44.28 to $94.90. By October 2023, the price per barrel had gone down to $88.03.Several factors have influenced fluctuations in oil prices in recent years, and its price could foreshadow the direction of the broader economy.
Nov 9, 2023What does the National Park Service do?
The National Park Service (NPS) is a subdivision of the US Department of the Interior responsible for managing and preserving national parks, monuments, and other historical sites across the United States. The agency's primary mission is to conserve the natural and cultural resources within these areas for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations. It also works to protect the ecological integrity of these sites while providing recreational opportunities for the public. It was established in 1916.
Updates annuallyHow much oil and gas comes from federal territory?
Roughly a quarter of all crude oil and more than a tenth of all natural gas was produced on territory owned by the federal government in 2021. Though offshore natural gas production has dwindled in recent years, crude oil production on public lands has increased.While energy production has increased on federal lands, the total amount of land leased to oil and gas developers has gone down since 2008. More than half of all land leased to oil and gas companies remains unused for production.The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 promotes domestic energy production in some specific ways. One provision is a requirement making new leases of federal territory for wind and solar energy dependent on offering federal leases for oil and gas producers.On the surface, this part of the bill appears to tie renewable energy development to the continued production of fossil fuels on federal territory. However, increases to oil and gas production costs on federal territory could impact how many companies choose to acquire development leases.
Apr 6, 2023How have flood insurance premiums changed?
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is more than $20 billion in debt as of 2022. This is partly due to the increase in the number of flooding events in the US in recent years. But another factor is the need for changes in how flood insurance premiums are calculated for homeowners in the program.Past attempts to fix the issue in Congress were delayed or scrapped due to outcry from homeowners facing sharp increases in their insurance premiums after government subsidies were eliminated. In 2012, legislation opened the way for more fundamental changes.Beginning last October, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched Risk Rating 2.0, a new pricing methodology aimed at making public flood insurance more equitable and transparent. This marks the biggest transition in public flood insurance since the beginning of the NFIP in 1968.According to projected premium changes, 23% of policyholders should see their rates decrease under Risk Rating 2.0, while 77% will see their premiums rise. Policyholders in high-risk areas, such as those along the Gulf Coast, will see a majority of the premium increases.As of 2018, more than a quarter of NFIP policyholders are low-income households. The goal of Risk Rating 2.0 is to redistribute the cost of flood insurance more equitably across all policyholders by adjusting for individual risk factors and income levels. Ultimately, FEMA aims to increase total flood insurance coverage through the changes, but a potential rise in private flood insurance could complicate these efforts.
Oct 24, 202291% of households nationwide have air conditioning. 44% of those in Seattle do.
Last week's Pacific Northwest heatwave spiked temperatures in Portland, Ore. and Seattle. Both cities recorded temperatures over 100 degrees for three days straight. Temperatures hit 108 degrees in Portland on June 26, 112 degrees the next day, and 115 degrees the following day. Seattle experienced heat of 102 degrees, 104 degrees, and 107 degrees in the same period. Seattle had logged three-digit temperatures just twice before in the past 70 years. Temperatures hit 103 degrees on July 29, 2009, and 100 degrees on July 20, 1994.Seattle is particularly vulnerable to high temperatures because most households do not have air conditioning. Portland also reports lower rates of air conditioning compared to other major cities.Ninety one percent of American households had central air or window units in 2019, according to the Census Bureau. But of the largest 15 metro areas, Seattle had the fewest homes with air conditioning, at 44%. Around 22% of Seattle households have central air, while 15% have air conditioning in no more than one room.Air conditioning usage varies by city and typically tracks with average summer temperatures. About 99% of households in Houston, Miami, and Atlanta had some form of air conditioning in 2019, the most of the 15 largest metro areas. June and July temperatures average almost 93 degrees in Houston and in the high 80s in Miami and Atlanta.
Jul 7, 2021What does the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration do?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a subdivision of the Department of Commerce responsible for understanding and predicting changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. NOAA shares this knowledge and information with others and helps conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. It was established in 1970.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Bureau of Land Management do?
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a subdivision of the US Department of the Interior responsible for administering public lands in the United States. The agency manages various resources and activities on these lands, including energy development, livestock grazing, recreation, and conservation. It aims to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. It was established in 1946.
Updates annuallyHow many energy jobs are there in the US?
The energy sector is a critical part of the US economy, offering employment opportunities across industries.In 2022, 8.12 million people had energy-related jobs, a substantial contribution to the national employment landscape — roughly 5% of all jobs in 2022, and exceeded the number of people employed by federal and all state governments combined.This figure includes people in a spectrum of roles across electric power generation, transmission, distribution, storage, fuels, energy efficiency, and motor vehicles. As of 2022, the energy sector has recovered 71% of the jobs lost in 2020’s pandemic-driven economic downturn.Approximately 38% of these positions, or 3.1 million, are classified as clean energy jobs by the Department of Energy (DOE). These jobs focus on energy conservation, alternative energy development, pollution reduction, or recycling.Energy jobs occupy an increasingly important role in the nation’s energy transition, as the US works toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.Which states have the most energy jobs?Texas leads the nation in energy jobs, employing over 936,000 individuals in the energy sector, roughly five out of every 100 working-age people. Oil and natural gas production alone employed more than 280,000 people.California comes next at over 911,000 energy jobs, with just shy of four out of every 100 people working in the energy sector. Driven by its renewable energy commitment, California leads all states in energy efficiency jobs – which focus on reducing energy use and costs, and enhancing sustainability – with nearly 80% more of these jobs than any other state.Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio have high job numbers in car manufacturing and maintenance, employing over 600,000 people and accounting for almost a quarter of all car-related energy jobs in the country.
Apr 12, 2024What is the most common vehicle fuel type in each state?
There are nearly 100 registered gasoline-powered vehicles for every electric vehicle (EV) in the US. But the growth rate for some alternative-powered vehicles is higher than that of gasoline-powered vehicles, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE).
Oct 23, 2023Which cities have the best and worst air quality?
Arizona’s Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metro area has the worst air quality in the country. In 2021, the area experienced unhealthy air quality on 64.9% of days, while only having good air quality 3% of the time.In contrast, three US metros: Urban Honolulu and Kahului, both in Hawaii, and Lake Havasu City/Kingman, Arizona, had healthy air quality on more than 99% of days in 2021.How is air quality measured?Air quality ratings are determined by an area’s air quality index (AQI). A higher AQI means the air has more pollutants and is less healthy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses AQI ranges to grade air quality from good to hazardous.
Apr 28, 2023What impacts the price of oil?
An analysis by the Treasury Department estimated that the price of gasoline was between 13 and 31 cents per gallon lower in spring and summer 2022 than it would have been otherwise, following President Joe Biden’s decision to release 180 million barrels of crude oil into the market from the nation’s emergency reserves.That decision was an attempt to make up for higher energy costs resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war.This is one example of the back-and-forth that occurs in attempts to balance the cost of a barrel of oil in the market: events often that impact pricing, and policy responses aim to stabilize it.Beyond war and releasing oil from emergency reserves, there are numerous other factors that can influence the cost of oil.
Nov 9, 2023Are US earthquakes becoming more costly?
Damages from earthquakes in the US have nearly doubled in the last five years, according to the latest data from the federal government.A 2023 report from the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that damages from earthquakes total around $14.7 billion per year, up from the inflation-adjusted 2017 estimate of $7.5 million. The report attributes the rise to increased exposure as more people move to earthquake-prone areas and more is invested in infrastructure in those areas.Where are earthquake damages highest?Nearly two-thirds of the nation’s estimated annual losses — $9.6 billion — hit California, with another $1.2 billion in Washington and $745 million in Oregon. Aside from the Pacific Coast, damages are highest in Utah ($367 million) and Puerto Rico ($327 million).
May 30, 2024What are green banks?
The Inflation Reduction Act — which was signed into law by President Joe Biden — invests $300 billion in deficit reduction and nearly $370 billion in energy security and climate change programs over the next 10 years.One of the environmental provisions inside the bill establishes a National Green Bank, a program that's designed to help launch and leverage private funding for clean energy projects across the US.Green banks are banking institutions that use public and private funding to incentivize the transition to clean energy. The banks are initially funded with public dollars and then use the proceeds from their investments or other private dollars to fund more environmental-related projects. For example, a green bank might loan money to a company that's installing solar rooftops or to a homeowner that wants to buy a heat pump. Green banks are either government-owned or semi-public.The first green bank opened in 2010, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Sep 7, 2022How much of America’s clean energy infrastructure is built in the US?
Renewable energy sources, including wind, hydropower, solar, biomass and geothermal, contributed 20% of US electricity in 2021. This proportion is rapidly expanding; over 60% of new electricity generation capacity in 2022 is projected to be renewable.A clean energy industry needs specific equipment to work. Solar energy needs solar panels with photovoltaic (PV) cells designed to convert energy from the sun. Wind energy needs turbines. Renewable energy often relies on batteries to store energy from intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar, which only generate electricity about 40% of the time.The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act attempts to encourage US-based manufacturing of this kind of clean infrastructure. The bill includes at least $15 billion in clean manufacturing tax credits meant to increase domestic manufacturing capacity for solar panels, wind turbines, and lithium batteries.
Aug 16, 2022How much oil is produced in the US?
Oil production plays a key role in the nation's economic and energy landscape. Everything from gas prices to clothing is impacted by the cost of extracting petroleum and all its byproducts.While the Biden administration is driving efforts to implement a large-scale transition to renewable energy and investment in green technology, much of the US economy is still inextricably tied to oil production and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.So, what is the state of oil production in the US today? Is the country producing enough to meet consumption demands, and how has the industry changed over the past decade?Is US oil production down?Domestic energy production has increased faster than at any other time in history, with crude oil production more than doubling between 2011 and 2022. US crude oil peaked in 2019 with the country producing an average of 12.3 million barrels per day.
Aug 21, 2023How much solar energy do homes produce?
In 2022, residential solar panels generated 37 million megawatt-hours, accounting for 18% of all solar energy in the US, according to the Energy Information Administration. The average US home uses about 11,000 kilowatt hours per year, meaning residential solar panels generated enough electricity to power 3.4 million homes in 2022.Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources in the US, according to the Department of Energy. The US had about 3.9 million photovoltaic solar power systems installed at residences at the end of 2022, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. That number has grown by an average of 37% per year since Congress passed a federal tax credit for solar power in 2005.In 2022, Congress passed additional tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act to help more Americans invest in rooftop solar installation. A small percentage of all homes (2.7%) had solar panels installed by the end of 2022. Overall, residential solar generates a small fraction of total US energy, making up less than 1% of all electricity production in 2022.Energy produced by small-scale solar vs. utility-scale solar facilitiesSmall-scale solar installations, including those at homes, businesses, and non-utility industrial sites, collectively generated 29% of all solar power in the US in 2022. At 61 million megawatt hours produced, small-scale solar power generated enough electricity for 5.6 million homes. That level of production is more than five times the amount from 2014.Meanwhile, solar farms and other utility-scale solar facilities produced enough electricity to power over 13 million homes in 2022, a total of about 144 million megawatt hours. Utility-scale solar facilities generated eight times more power in 2022 than in 2014.
Nov 9, 2023How much electricity would it take to power all cars if they were electric?
In 2022, California became the first state to require all new cars and light trucks sold to be zero emission vehicles by 2035. Because several states have laws or rules on the books agreeing to follow California’s vehicle emission standards, about 34% of states in the US are expected to follow suit. While electric vehicles (EVs) currently represent a modest proportion of the automotive market, sales of all types of EVs are expected to continue growing in the near-future.This raises questions over how much more electricity would be needed to power these cars, and how much more cost-effective EVs are per mile.Based on 2019 data, the US would need to produce 20-50% more electricity in a year if all cars were EVs.According to data from the Department of Energy (DOE), the cost of powering EVs is approximately 35-75% cheaper than the cost for gas-powered vehicles per mile.Since generating electricity often relies on the use of fossil fuels, switching to EVs won’t eliminate vehicle-related emissions of greenhouse gases. The emission rates for EVs would vary by state based on how electricity is generated.
May 15, 2023How dangerous is extreme heat for America’s workers?
July 2023 was the hottest July on record. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that it was likely the warmest month ever recorded, with global ocean surface temperatures also hitting record highs.For workers, extreme weather-related heat can affect their performance — and even be deadly.Extreme heat refers to temperatures that are hotter and/or more humid than average. Ready.gov defines extreme heat as a period of “high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days.”How many workers have been injured due to weather-related extreme heat?In 2020, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counted 1,940 private sector cases and 390 state and local government cases in which injuries or illnesses due to environmental heat exposure resulted in days away from work. On average, affected workers took two days off.Broken down by industry, the private industry supersector known as trade, transportation, and utilities recorded the highest number of heat-related injury cases, with 440 reports. This category includes truck drivers, bus drivers, railroad conductors, airline pilots, retail salespeople, stock clerks, electrical power-line installers and repairers, and meter readers.The construction supersector had the second-highest number of cases at 410. This sector consists of carpenters, construction laborers, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators, electricians, and plumbers, among others.In state and local government jobs, service workers reported the most injuries or illnesses due to heat, with 230 cases. This group of workers includes law enforcement, animal control workers, and parking enforcement officers.
Sep 15, 2023How does nuclear fusion work, and why is the US investing in it?
In December 2022, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California achieved a breakthrough in nuclear fusion. For the first time, they successfully created more energy from a fusion reaction than the energy used to start the process.This was the latest of several developments in the past few years that have brought nuclear fusion closer to becoming a viable source of energy.In 2022, the Biden administration and the Office of Science and Technology Policy set a goal of having fusion energy on the grid by the early 2030s. While it is still far from becoming a commercial fuel source, fusion’s advantages mean that scientists and governments around the world are continuing to invest in the technology.What is nuclear fusion and how does it work?Fusion is the atomic reaction that powers the sun. It involves fusing two atoms together at an extremely high temperature and pressure, releasing energy in the process. However, creating those conditions for fusion on Earth is difficult. For a fusion energy system to be viable, it must produce more energy through fusion reactions than the energy needed to produce the reaction. Those reactions are maintained in a plasma, a state of matter that scientists are still working to understand.Nuclear fusion differs from nuclear power currently generated in reactors, which occurs through fission. Fission is when heavier elements split into lighter elements.What are the advantages and challenges of nuclear fusion?If scientists find a way to sustain fusion and harness its energy, it has significant advantages over current fuel sources.Fusion power is a clean energy source. It produces no greenhouse gases, uses relatively common materials for fuel, and does not pose the risk of a nuclear meltdown (unlike current nuclear reactors). Also, it does not produce long-lasting radioactive waste the way current nuclear reactors do, which can be challenging to dispose safely.Fusion energy is still a developing area of research, and figuring out the science is just the first step—the cost competitiveness and commercial viability are still open questions. The costs of commercial fusion power are still unknown, as they’ll be impacted by unknown maintenance costs, advancements in materials that can hold plasma, and undetermined regulatory costs. Projections for fusion energy on the grid range from 10 to over 20 years.Where is the US currently at in developing nuclear fusion?Recent years have brought scientists closer to usable fusion energy. In 2021, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology developed high-temperature superconducting magnets, which could reduce the cost of fusion energy systems. European scientists in 2021 set a record for sustained energy output from fusion. And in 2022, fusion ignition (generating net positive energy from a fusion reaction) was achieved at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.Government funding plays a critical role in supporting the research and development of fusion energy. The Department of Energy (DOE) has consistently invested in fusion research, with funding levels increasing over time.
Jun 5, 2023What does the US Fish and Wildlife Service do?
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is a subdivision of the US Department of the Interior responsible for managing and conserving fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The agency works to protect endangered species, enforce wildlife laws, manage migratory birds, restore nationally significant fisheries, and conserve and restore wildlife habitat such as wetlands. It also collaborates with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to promote wildlife conservation and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. It was established in 1940.
Updates annuallyWhat does the Federal Emergency Management Agency do?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a subdivision of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for coordinating the federal government’s response to natural disasters, emergencies, and other large-scale incidents. The agency provides financial assistance, logistical support, and planning resources to help individuals, communities, and governments prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. It also works to strengthen nationwide emergency management capabilities through training, partnerships, and risk mitigation efforts. It was established in 1979.
Updates annually