The United States' high standard of living, industrial, and economic position is partly the result of developing its rich energy resources. However, this paper argues that the energy history of the U.S. has led to foreign relations difficulties, which there is reason to think will not improve as pressure on non-renewable resources increases. It also suggests that many of our energy choices have created unnecessary environmental, social, and health problems. Finally, it shows that there are other alternatives to traditional energy sources that are more sustainable and do not suffer from many of these drawbacks. In light of these considerations, the paper concludes that the 2001 energy plan, put forward by the National Energy Policy Development (NEPD) Group and President George W. Bush Jr.'s administration, is insufficient to address the United States' energy needs, and suggests some reforms that might be incorporated into an alternative plan that is more sustainable.