American energy policy must receive an input from the public. This input must be based on correct and current information as to the prospects of developing alternative energy resources on realistic schedules. The public, however, is being swamped with conflicting reports on the magnitude and long term nature of the energy crisis and on current and future energy resource availability. Energy jargon is increasing at an alarming rate. This guide, which has been prepared in conjunction with the conference on "The Magnitude and Deployment Schedule of Energy Resources" to be held in Portland, Oregon July 21-23, 1975, should provide the public with a useful tool with which to gain an understanding of this developing field. Terms defined in the glossary section of this document are among those most commonly used in the energy field. Some terms belong to other areas of science and are included here since they often appear in discussions of energy matters