(60c) Energy Conservation in the United States

Energy conservation is an important part of the United States' energy future. Presently, the primary sectors for energy consumption are electricity, transportation, and industrial. Any conservation program must be centered on these three sectors in order to be effective. This study investigates government initiatives to conserve energy in each of these sectors. Results indicate that current government efforts such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, hybrid vehicle tax credits, and the Landfill Methane Outreach Program will do very little to decrease energy usage in the US. However, energy conservation can decrease the rate at which energy consumption increases. In order for the United States to implement a sustainable and cost effective energy policy, conservation must be combined with renewable energy sources in order to phase out the use of fossil fuels as a primary energy source.