Gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas all release CO2 when burned.

Gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas all release CO2 when burned.

Gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas all release CO2 when burned.

The United States and Canada are both developed countries. China and India are projected to have the greatest growth in energy consumption between 2006 and 2030.

The United States and Canada are both developed countries. China and India are projected to have the greatest growth in energy consumption between 2006 and 2030.

Mining coal disturbs the land and modifies the chemistry of rainwater runoff, which in turn affects stream and river water quality.

Almost 20% of the world's CO2 is released by the United States.

Almost 20% of the world's CO2 is released by the United States.

There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.

There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.

There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.

Oil, biofuels, natural gas, and coal are all used to generate electricity in the United States.

Oil, biofuels, natural gas, and coal are all used to generate electricity in the United States.

Oil, biofuels, natural gas, and coal are all used to generate electricity in the United States.

Oil, biofuels, natural gas, and coal are all used to generate electricity in the United States.

Biofuels contain carbon and although they may burn “cleaner” than oil-derived fuels, they do not avoid generating carbon dioxide emissions.

The British Thermal Unit, or Btu, is frequently used as a measure for energy content of fuels. One gallon of gasoline contains about 124,000 Btu.

The British Thermal Unit, or Btu, is frequently used as a measure for energy content of fuels. One gallon of gasoline contains about 124,000 Btu.

The British Thermal Unit, or Btu, is frequently used as a measure for energy content of fuels. One gallon of gasoline contains about 124,000 Btu.

Out of all the renewable energy sources, biomass contributed the most to U.S. energy consumption in 2008.

Out of all the renewable energy sources, biomass contributed the most to U.S. energy consumption in 2008.

Out of all the renewable energy sources, biomass contributed the most to U.S. energy consumption in 2008.

In 2005, a million Btu of energy from coal cost approximately $2, versus $5 for natural gas and $10 for oil. However, prices can fluctuate due to changes in the economy and new government policies.

In 2005, a million Btu of energy from coal cost approximately $2, versus $5 for natural gas and $10 for oil. However, prices can fluctuate due to changes in the economy and new government policies.