Petroleum becomes largest U.S. energy source

Historical era

Petroleum age (1950–1972)

Petroleum became the most-consumed U.S. energy source in 1950 and fueled transportation-led growth.

Nearby on the timeline

• 1950 Farm electrification nearly universal
• 1949 Hydropower supplied about one-third of U.S. electricity
• 1951 First electricity from atom (EBR-I)

Sources

• EIA Today in Energy