Final answer:
The production of electricity and gasoline is primarily dependent on petroleum supplies, though coal and natural gas also play significant roles in energy production, especially for electricity generation. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The production of electricity and gasoline is largely dependent upon petroleum supplies. Fossil fuels which include petroleum, natural gas, and coal comprise a significant part of the U.S. primary energy production.
Indeed, in 2019, fossil fuels accounted for about 80% of total U.S. primary energy production. While coal and natural gas also contribute to electricity generation, petroleum remains crucial particularly for gasoline production.
Coal-powered electric power plants use combustion to produce steam that drives a turbine to create electricity.
However, the future of coal and natural gas, which drive electricity generation, will greatly depend on regulatory concerns for carbon emissions and the relative supply and cost of these fuels.
It must be noted that while electricity makes up only 38% of energy demand in the U.S., it's crucial for sustaining many societal functions and industry processes. The correct option is C.