1.Coal (51%)2.Nuclear (20%)
3.Natural Gas (17%)
4.Hydro (7%)
5.Petroleum (3%)
6.Renewables/other (2%)
Although fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas have their advantages, the overall effects of these fossil fuels are harmful. Yes, presently there is a great amount of availability of these fuels, they are inexpensive, and they are very easily distributed, but in the end they are the greatest contributors toward climate change, acid rain, and in the end they are exhaustible fuel sources.
A great alternative to coal and other fossil fuels is nuclear energy. Although nuclear energy can be quite dangerous and money will have to be spent on safety measures, nuclear energy costs the same as coal, causes no pollution, uses little fuel for the great amount of energy it produces, causes very little waste, and this source of energy is reliable.
*darker areas resemble greater natural wind energy
Another great alternative is wind power. Wind energy is the cheapest form of alternative energy, and with reasonably aggressive expansion of wind power, the Midwest United States could easily supply 5-10% of its power needs with wind generators. The only problem with this source is that wind power is geographically dependant and it can be costly, but for areas with a great amount of wind, wind power is inexhaustible and causes no pollution.
These are just two alternative sources that the U.S. can take advantage of. As a country and as the world’s leading Carbon Dioxide emitter, the country has a responsibility to embrace alternative energy.
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