Want to see the heart of America's energy crisis? In 1999, the United States consumed 95 quadrillion BTUs of energy, while producing 61 quadrillion BTUs. The result being a 34 quadrillion BTU energy deficit. We use far more energy than we produce domestically. To keep the lights on and the wheels rolling, we make up the shortfall by importing energy, mainly in the form of tanker-upon-tanker of pricey OPEC oil. And that, is the heart of the energy crisis.

According to U.S. Energy Department analysts, data still being compiled will show America's energy deficit only growing during 2000-2001.

Rocket science is not needed to figure out that we must either produce a lot more energy, use a lot less, or do some of both. In his National Energy Policy, President Bush offers 105 recommendations doing both.

Profile of Energy in America
Using data from the Energy Department's Energy Information Administration, we can examine exactly what sources of energy we utilize in the U.S., as well as which states produce and consume the most.

America's Sources of Energy 
All energy produced in the U.S. comes from four sources: primary electricity, oil, natural gas and coal.

Primary electricity is electricity produced by nuclear, hydro (fast-flowing water), geothermal, wood, wind, waste, and solar power plants. 

Since primary electricity comes mainly from readily available and renewable natural resources, it offers the best chance of reducing America's growing demand for expensive imported energy. Unfortunately, primary electricity remains our least-produced source of energy. 

US Energy Produced by Source in 1999 (In Quadrillion BTUs)

Coal - 23.356
Natural Gas - 21.771
Oil - 12.451
Primary Electricity - 3.839
[Source: Energy Information Administration]

Where is America's Energy Made and Used?
Along with dependence on expensive imported energy, the need to transport or transmit energy over vast distances contributes to the shortage and cost of American energy. True in 1999 and still true today, only ten states produced more energy than they consumed.

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