Which of the following is the dominant energy source in the U.S.?

Natural gas is currently the dominant energy source in the United States due to a combination of factors, including its abundance, lower carbon emissions compared to coal, and the efficiency of natural gas power plants. The U.S. has significant reserves of natural gas, which have been made more accessible through advances in extraction technologies such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.

Natural gas-fired power plants have lower operational costs and can be ramped up quickly to meet peak energy demands, making them a favorable option in balancing the energy grid. This trend has led to a significant transition away from coal, once the primary energy source for electricity generation, as concerns over air pollution and climate change have grown.

While nuclear energy provides a substantial portion of the country's electricity and renewable resources are growing rapidly, their shares are not as high as that of natural gas, which has become the cornerstone of the U.S. energy landscape in recent years. This reflects both market dynamics and policy incentives promoting cleaner energy solutions.