Fueling America

250 Years of Energy Innovation

A family of six enjoys an outdoor meal in a backyard. Four adults sit around a wooden table with food, while two children stand nearby, one holding an American flag. A grill with skewers is in the foreground.

Energy has been the backbone of America’s rise to prosperity, fueling economic growth, improving the quality of life, and securing the nation’s global status.

Throughout America’s remarkable history, our nation has evolved from humble sources like wood, water, and biomass to harnessing the transformative power of coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy. Each bold leap forward has sparked groundbreaking innovations and delivered profound benefits to the American people. Abundant energy has been the engine of our progress, powering coast-to-coast travel, conquering the skies with flight, bringing modern conveniences into our homes, and securing American victory in global wars, profoundly shaping and enriching everyday life for generations.

A black-and-white 1869 newspaper illustration shows trains labeled "San Francisco" and "New York" meeting on tracks, their passengers cheering as large hands reach out to shake in front of a mountain, symbolizing the transcontinental railroad's completion.

Timeline

Explore America's energy evolution from wood to water to modern renewables

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Interviews

Listen to energy industry leaders and innovators share their stories

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Histories

Read narrative histories of American energy pioneers and innovations

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Stories

Discover how American innovation unleashed novel forms of energy