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Positive Energy Trends Bode Well for U.S. Security and the Economy

Positive Energy Trends Bode Well for U.S. Security and the Economy

Full Title: Positive Energy Trends Bode Well for U.S. Security and the Economy
Author(s): National Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Publisher(s): National Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Publication Date: October 1, 2014
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

The United States is reducing oil dependence, slowing the growth of electricity needs, and making energy services more affordable to all Americans. oil and energy consumption remain well below levels seen a decade ago, renewable energy is surging, and growth in U.S. electricity sales continues to decline. NRDC’s 2014 review of the most recent data shows the economic and environmental performance of America’s energy systems has never been better. the single most important contributor to these positive trends is energy efficiency, the nation’s largest and most inexpensive resource to meet our energy needs. Efficiency has allowed America to get more work out of less oil, natural gas, and electricity while pushing our economy forward and cutting residential, business, and industrial customers’ bills.

And while the United States appears to be on track to meet the obama administration’s target of a 17 percent reduction in carbon pollution by 2020 (relative to 2005), more can and must be done. Based on its own extensive assessment of recent improvements in emissions performance, the U.S. Environmental protection Agency (EPA) this year proposed pollution control standards to reduce emissions from existing power plants even further—calling for a 26 percent reduction by 2020 and a 30 percent reduction by 2030. However, based on the latest numbers summarized here, even larger reductions are feasible and cost-effective.

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