U.S. Economy Ranks 13th in Energy Efficiency—Transportation Blamed

Energy is the key to the economy, so it should be used wisely. A new report shows that the United States performs very poorly in making the most of its resources.

1 minute read

July 18, 2014, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Commute

chungking / Shutterstock

Rani Molla shares news of a new report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, an environmental nonprofit advocacy group, that ranks the United States 13th out of the 16 largest economies in energy efficiency.

"The U.S. scored poorly for a number of reasons, including relatively low use of and investment in public transit, a high number of miles traveled in inefficient vehicles as well as high energy usage in both commercial and residential sectors.  A lack of energy savings targets and efficiency standards also played a role, the report’s authors said."

Thursday, July 17, 2014 in The Wall Street Journal

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A woman in the snowy woods wraps two children in blankets.

U.S.-Iran war may have ‘devastating’ impact on cost to warm homes

Vermont and Maine residents may see a 76% increase in the cost of warming their homes this winter.

2 hours ago - Grist

Construction worker uses a power saw to cut through metal.

Senate bill would ‘overhaul’ environmental permitting laws

Under the proposed act, government agencies would also not be able to suspend or rescind permits after granting them.

3 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

A person crossing the street between two residential buildings in NYC.

Exemption applications for NYC’s pied-à-terre tax see 55% success rate

The city sent nearly 40% of its initial pied-à-terre tax warnings erroneously.

4 hours ago - The City Reporter