Energy Inefficient

This New York Times editorial urges soon-to-be-President Obama not to rely solely on technological breakthroughs to address the necessary restructuring of America’s energy systems.  In addition, the Times argues, the Obama administration should strive to make existing technologies more efficient.  The U.S. does not use energy efficiently, spewing more carbon dioxide into the air than 75 of 107 countries tracked by the International Energy Agency.  Whether in households, businesses, transportation, or in electricity production, the U.S. ranks among the highest in emissions and lowest in energy efficiency.  Most of the carbon abatement needed by 2030 could come from existing technologies, such as home insulation and  fuel efficiency.