US energy use

Tom Thumb built

Jan 1, 1830

Tom Thumb was the first American steam locomotive, built by Peter Cooper. Tom Thumb used coal to run.

First coal-fired electric generator

Jan 1, 1882

Thomas Edison designed the first coal-fired electric generating station in the US. It was in New York and provided electricity for households.

Tesla Coil

Jun 25, 1883

Nikola Tesla invented the Tesla Coil, which transformed electricity from low to high voltage, allowing it to travel longer distances.

First solar cell

Jun 25, 1883

Charles Fritts built the first solar cell, with an efficiency rate of 1 to 2%.

Federal Power Commission established

Jun 25, 1920

The Federal Power Commission was established to provide licensing to hydroelectric projects.

Boulder Dam built

Mar 1, 1936

The Boulder Dam in Colorado was first used. It produced up to 130,000 kW of hydroelectric energy.

First commercial nuclear plant built

Jun 25, 1957

First commercial nuclear plant is built and provides power in Santa Susana, California.

Arab Oil Embargo

Oct 25, 1973

Several nations of OPEC placed an oil embargo on the United States for their support of Israel in the Yom Kippur war. Oil prices tripled, and there were shortages of gasoline.

Clean Coal Technology Act

Aug 1, 1986

The Clean Coal Technology Act was passed. It funded projects to develop improved environmentally friendly technologies for using coal. The image shows where projects were funded.

Energy Policy Act passed

Jul 29, 2005

The Energy Policy Act was passed. It offered more tax incentives and loan guarantees for more production of clean energy.