The Energy Scene Right Now

We're using less petroleum than a year ago, but it does not seem to be deliberate conservation. The International Energy agency says we're down about 3% from our 2008 consumption rate, but are slowly creeping upward. Meanwhile, in Washington there's a party divide over oil and nuclear energy. The Republicans want America to use more of both. And increasing summer driving coupled with glimmers of economic recovery dreams is helping crude oil prices climb again, now over $70 per barrel. High oil prices can help alternative energy look economically feasible. Often it is the bottom line that is the bottom line when energy decisions are made by large corporations, individual consumers or national governments.