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1882
"Thomas Edison built the first practical coal-fired electric generating station in 1882." http://www.visualcapitalist.com/the-evolution-of-americas-energy-supply-1776-2014/ -
1910
In the 1910s the United States was the largest coal producer in the world. http://www.visualcapitalist.com/the-evolution-of-americas-energy-supply-1776-2014/ -
Federal Water Power Act
"Encouraged the development of hydroelectric power projects.
Established the Federal Power Commission. (replaced in 1977 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) Renamed Federal Power Act in 1935 - expanded the Commission's jurisdiction to include all interstate electricity transmission." https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog432/node/116 -
Rural Electrification Act
"Provided federal loans to install electrical distribution systems to rural areas through cooperative electrical companies that bought electricity wholesale and then distributed it through their own transmission and distribution lines." https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog432/node/116 -
1957
The first commercial nuclear power plant in the United States was bult in Pennsylvania in 1957
http://www.visualcapitalist.com/the-evolution-of-americas-energy-supply-1776-2014/ -
Energy Reorganization Act
"Established the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, splitting the responsibility for nuclear weapons and civilian nuclear power between the DOE and the NRC, respectively. Provided protections for employees raising concerns over nuclear safety." https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog432/node/116 -
Department of Energy Organization Act
"Established the Department of Energy (link is external) as a Cabinet level organization, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (link is external) (FERC) within the DOE." -
Energy Policy Act
"Amended the National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978. Created framework for wholesale electricity. generation. Provided financial incentives to users/developers of clean-fuel vehicles; repealed alternative minimum tax for some producers. Intended to expand the use of natural gas." https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog432/node/116 -
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
"A massive $800 billion economic stimulus package aimed at job creation and the promotion of investment and consumer spending. Included $4.3 billion in tax credits to homeowners for energy efficiency improvements in 2009-2010, $300 million for reducing diesel engine emissions, $21.5 billion for energy infrastructure, $27.2 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy research and investment, $2 billion in research for DOE, $600 million in research for NOAA." https://www.e-education.psu.ed -
The Clean Power Plan
"The first comprehensive plan to address carbon emissions nationally. Provides states flexibility in meeting reduction goals." https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog432/node/116
