Annual Energy Outlook - 2011 EIA

The Annual Energy Outlook from the Energy Information Administration finds that

*Imports meet a major but declining share of total U.S. energy demand.

*Domestic shale gas resources support increased natural gas production with moderate prices.

*Despite rapid growth in generation from natural gas and nonhydropower renewable energy sources, coal continues to account for the largest share of electricity generation.

*Proposed environmental regulations could alter the power generation fuel mix.

*Assuming no changes in policy related to greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide emissions grow slowly and do not return to 2005 levels until 2027.

"the projections in the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2011 (AEO2011) focus on the factors that shape the U.S. energy system over the long term. Under the assumption that current laws and regulations remain unchanged throughout the projections, the AEO2011 Reference case provides the basis for examination and discussion of energy production, consumption, technology, and market trends and the direction they may take in the future. It also serves as a starting point for analysis of potential changes in energy policies." (from the summary).