US Energy Conservation and Efficiency: Benefits and Costs
Author(s)
Pimentel, D.; Pleasant, A.; Barron, J.; Gaudioso, J.; Pollock, N.; Chae, E.; Kim, Y.; Lassiter, A.; Schiavoni, C.; Jackson, A.; Lee, M.; Eaton, A.
Abstract
With increased energy conservation plus the adoption of diverse energy efficient technologies, the US economy could save about 32 quads or about 33% of its current energy consumption, if sound conservation energy use policies were implemented over approximately 10 years. This potential of 32 quads is slightly greater than the current US oil imports. The systems that have the greatest potential to provide major energy savings are transportation, residential energy use, and the food system. Not only saving energy has merit in itself, but it would save US citizens approximately $438 billion per year, helping support the US economy, a high standard of living, and energy security. In addition, this analysis suggests that reducing the $40 billion in taxpayer money spent on subsidies of the energy industries would further increase conservation.
