Solving our energy challenges is a long-term proposition; however, we can achieve immediate economic and environmental benefits by better harnessing the energy we unintentionally waste each day. Putting into practice more robust energy effi ciency programs is a crucial component of our nation’s energy security. We can free up significant amounts of energy for more productive purposes and eliminate unnecessary expenditures on the part of both businesses and consumers. This paper examines key factors aff ecting energy efficiency and provides recommendations for how increased efficiency can berealized in the United States.