WASHINGTON - The latest long-term outlook for United States energy use from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Energy Information Administration (EIA) foresees a 34 percent increase in energy use by 2030, accompanied by a 37.5 percent increase in carbon dioxide emissions. The outlook also forecasts minimal renewable energy impact by 2030.

What's the best-case scenario for energy use? According to the EIA, a "high technology" scenario still results in U.S. energy use increasing 26 percent by 2030, with a 26 percent increase in carbon dioxide emissions. The scenario assumes a 22 percent increase in residential building shell efficiencies, a 10.4 percent increase in new commercial building efficiencies, an 8.9 percent increase in existing commercial building efficiencies, greater industrial efficiency with more use of biomass, and greater fuel economy improvements for transportation.