U.S. energy consumption by energy source, 2015:

- Total: 97.7 quadrillion Btu
- Geothermal: 2%
- Natural gas: 29%
- Solar: 6%
- Wind: 19%
- Petroleum: 36%
- Biomass waste: 5%
- Biofuels: 22%
- Biomass: 10%
- Renewable energy: 49%
- Wood: 21%
- Nuclear electric power: 9%
- Coal: 16%
- Hydroelectric: 25%

Note: Sum of components may not equal 100% due to independent rounding.

Question: What percentage of the total U.S. energy consumption comes from fossil fuels?

A. 16%
B. 36%
C. 52%
D. 81%

To determine what percentage of the total U.S. energy consumption comes from fossil fuels, we need to look at the sources considered as fossil fuels. These typically include natural gas, petroleum, and coal. Let's add their respective percentages from the data provided:

1. Natural Gas: 29%
2. Petroleum: 36%
3. Coal: 16%

By adding these percentages together, we get the total percentage of energy consumption that comes from fossil fuels:

[tex]\[ 29\% + 36\% + 16\% = 81\%\][/tex]

Therefore, 81% of the total U.S. energy consumption in 2015 came from fossil fuels. So, the correct answer is (D) 81%.