Designed to serve as both a one-stop information source and a guide to in-depth exploration, this eye-opening volume examines the history, consumption, and availability of energy resources in America as well as the influence of energy on the development of modern-day society. Solidly grounded in scientific fact and environmental realities, it offers a sobering look at the current state of our energy resources, related government regulations, the reasons for our slow progress in developing alternative resources, and the economic and social problems that could arise from an energy crisis. This book promises no easy answers, but provides solid, useful information that will serve as a foundation for research, decision making, or simply an enhanced understanding of this critical subject.