Interesting piece by the Washington Post’s Robert Samuelson, analyzing America’s energy future in light of new government figures showing increased domestic oil and natural gas production:

“Despite big gains in energy efficiency and increases in ‘renewables’ (wind, solar, biofuels), fossil fuels will remain the mainstay of America’s energy system for years. In 2010, fossil fuel represented 83 percent of U.S. energy consumption, with oil at 37 percent, natural gas at 25 percent and coal at 21 percent. Although total energy use grows only 10 percent between 2010 and 2035, the fossil-fuel share stays high at 77 percent in 2035. Oil is 32 percent, natural gas 25 percent and coal 20 percent.”

Here’s a chart developed from data in the Energy Information Administration’s early release o... more »