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How does America get its energy?

Wind, fossil fuel, solar: Get the facts on how America keeps its lights on. Plus, some good environmental news.

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Transcript

In this episode of Just the Facts: Energy and the Environment. 

America consumes a lot of energy: with only 4% of the world's population, we account for about 16% of global energy use.

We use more energy than any other country except for China, but it spreads that energy use across the population nearly four times larger than ours.


Page sources and methodology

All of the data on the page was sourced directly from government agencies. The analysis and final review was performed by USAFacts.

  • Census Bureau

    U.S. and World Population Clock

    Census Bureau logo
  • Energy Information Administration

    Frequently Asked Questions and 22 others

    Energy Information Administration logo

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