In the time you spend reading this, the device you’re using will suck up a watt or three of electricity, produced by burning a sliver of coal (less likely), a smidgen of natural gas (coming on strong), or from nuclear or renewable sources. Generating power for the masses – and all the digital devices we accumulate – is only one of the challenges here. Want energy independence? Care about carbon? How much warmer is it getting outside – really? Energy and environment are perpetual hot-button subjects for the US. All the better to have some facts.