United States Energy Usage

Kelley Wilson
SOC 202-02
Current Event
Environment
8/18/06

The main source of energy used in the United States is fossil fuels. It “uses a quarter of the world’s oil and a fifth of all the coal consumed each year.” Energy is essential to the continuing survival of the human race, but unwanted pollution and gases are being emitted from the sources the United States are using. Environmentalists are inventing new and improved ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels by creating unique alternative energy sources.
The first attempt to produce energy is from solar energy. It relies of the sun to produce heat, hot water, electricity, and even some cooling systems. This solar power would come from a semi-conductor substance and reflective devices, such as mirror panels, to alter the sun’s light into an energy source. Solar power does not pollute the environment and it lasts up to thirty years. The negative component would be that it takes a lot of sunlight to control it; therefore, places with low sunlight would not be able to use this form of energy.
Another form of energy willing to be used is hydroelectric power. The flow of water would power turbines which then would trigger the generators and produce electricity. Hydroelectricity also does not pollute the air. The water flow is controlled; as a result, the energy could be increased or decreased on command. Although this is a good form to use, it would be affected by a drought and also the fish in the energy powered area.
There are many more alternatives to fossil fuels such as wind, geothermal, biomass and nuclear powers. All sources have their pros and cons, but could assist the environment. With more research and development the earth will soon be powered by various new safe and effective energy sources.



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