Question 2 • 11011de2 CONNECTED Fall 2026 NM-US History and Geography S2
Read the passage about energy use in Dallas, Texas, from the US Department of Energy. During the past five decades, Dallas’ population has nearly doubled—growing from 679,000 in 1960 to more than 1.2 million people today. To support this rapid growth, develop a sustainable community and reduce Dallas’ impact on the electrical grid, the city created the Green Dallas Initiative with support from the Energy Department’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.Using some of its EECBG funds, Dallas focused on improving the energy efficiency of 248 city-owned buildings, totaling 3.3 million square feet. Following energy audits, the city made energy efficiency improvements that included upgrading to energy-efficient indoor lighting at more than 150 buildings and installing digital HVAC controls—technology that allows the city to monitor energy use and continuously adjust the systems to increase efficiencies and reduce energy consumption—in 100 city-owned facilities.According to the passage, how has Dallas adapted its energy consumption in response to its changing population?
Answer
A
As Dallas’ population has grown, its energy use has increased at a similar rate.
B
As Dallas’ population has grown, it has found ways to use energy more efficiently.
C
As Dallas’ population has grown, its energy use and costs have declined dramatically.
D
As Dallas’ population has grown, its energy use has not changed, straining the grid.
Explanation
The passage describes energy-efficiency upgrades Dallas made as its population grew: it improved lighting in more than 150 buildings and installed digital HVAC controls in 100 facilities. These changes help the city monitor and adjust energy use to reduce consumption, so the best choice is “As Dallas’ population has grown, it has found ways to use energy more efficiently.”
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