4 Fun Energy Facts to Celebrate this Fourth of July

With the Fourth of July holiday weekend right around the corner, there's no better time to explore some interesting tidbits about U.S. energy use. 

Here are four fun U.S. energy facts to help celebrate this Independence Day. 

1. America's energy sources have significantly changed. 

Over the course of U.S. history, energy consumption patterns have drastically changed. 

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), a typical American family from the Colonial era used wood as its primary energy source until the mid-to late-1800s. Early industrial growth was driven by water mills and coal became dominant in the late 19th century before being displaced by petroleum products in 1900s. Since the mid 20th century, the use of coal has waxed and waned as other forms of energy have emerged, including nuclear, wind and solar power. 

2. Americans exploded 285 million pounds of fireworks last year. 

That's a ton of explosives. Or, 142,500 tons to be exact. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, if you gathered all the fireworks that Americans set off for the Fourth of July, they would weigh more than the Statue of Liberty, cost more than a Powerball jackpot and release more energy than 100,000 lightning bolts. 

3. The U.S. could be energy independent in the next decade. 

The United States has been a net importer of energy since the 1950s. But, according to the EIA, the U.S. has the potential to eliminate net U.S. energy imports sometime between 2020 and 2030. This potential for "energy independence" is a reflection of continued growth in domestic oil and natural gas production, increased use of renewable energy resources and advances in demand-side energy efficiency. 

4. Your business could save energy and money this Fourth of July. 

If your business or office is closed for the holiday weekend, use the opportunity to save money and energy for your business. Be sure to turn off all lights, unplug all unused equipment and set the thermostat above 80 degrees (if unoccupied) for the holiday weekend. 

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!