An overview of America's energy situation is presented with emphasis on recent progress, the risk of depending upon foreign oil, and policy choices. Section one reviews the energy problems of the 1970s, issues of the 1980s, concerns for the future, and choices that if made today could alleviate future problems. Section two examines past problems, new progress, and the future outlook for oil and natural gas. Section three presents similar information for coal, synthetic fuels, nuclear power, and renewable energy sources. Energy conservation is discussed in section four in terms of previous trends, the gross national product, efficiency, transportation, residential and commercial use, industry, fuel switching, and future outlook. The next section addresses the risk of international oil supply emergencies. A discussion of policy choices for the future related to natural gas price controls, federal land use restrictions, environmental laws and regulations, and nuclear energy comprises the concluding section. (DC)