The fossil fuels Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas were formed several hundred million years ago from decaying plant and animal matter. Even though these fuels are constantly being reformed, we use them at such a far greater rate that they are considered non-renewable resources. Currently, 90% of the energy we use in the U.S. comes from fossil fuels (12).

Distribution of Coal Deposits: (By %)

Subsurface or "Underground" mining is responsible for approximately 40% of the coal mined in the United States. Underground mining causes much less damage to the surrounding environment; however, the underground process contributes to severe health problems suffered by miners. Black lung and lung cancer are two diseases that have been developed by coal workers who were subjected to long hours working in underground mines. The Federal Black Lung Program has been formed to compensate miners who suffer from diseases and disorders contracted by working in coal mines.

Surface or "Strip" mining is responsible for the remaining 60% of the coal mined in the U. S. Strip mining is much safer for miners as well as being less expensive and more efficient in the complete removal of coal from deposits. The main problem associated with the Strip mining process is the large areas of land that must be disturbed by the mine site. This causes a loss of habitat for organisms, polluted run off water, and landslides that are more likely to occur with no vegetation to control erosion. The resource recovery needed to return the sites to their original landscapes is extremely expensive and would probably be ignored if the SMCRA (Surface Mining and Reclamation Act) would not have required mining operations to obtain permits and be subjected to periodic inspections. The mine sites must also be restored to their original form; however, the number of abandoned sites that already exist makes their clean-up almost impossible (11).

Oil and Natural gas have overtaken coal as the predominant fuels in the U.S. and in 1993 they supplied about 56% of U.S. energy (11). The United States currently uses approximately 17 million barrels of oil a day (12).

New Technology is making it possible to burn oil with far less emissions in the form of A-55 Clean Fuels that contain a combination of water, petroleum bases, and an exclusive additive package. The additive provides a stable emulsion that allows water to be responsibly introduced into the burning process (8). The addition of water results in the production of fewer pollutants and creates a fuel that has been used in many types of boilers and diesel engines.

Experts believe that the reserves of oil and natural gas could last anywhere from a few decades to 100 years although the increase in use from developing nations should tax the reserves and drain them sooner than our current use predicts. The development of new reserves often involves exploring and tapping environmentally sensitive areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (12). This is not only detrimental to the environment, but also takes away from funds that could have been used in the search for alternative sources of fuel.

The use of Renewable Resources is another option that is very appealing to environmentalists because renewables produce no air or water pollution (12). Some renewable resources include Hydroelectricity, Solar power, and Wind Power. Hydroelectricity is responsible for 4% of U.S. energy, with solar and wind power supplying less than 1% (12). The problem these sources of energy face is the fact that they simply are not competitive against the cost and convenience of fossil fuels Let's not forget that the sun, wind, and water supply are not always reliable, and the large amount of land needed to harness solar or wind power is a definite drawback. Hydroelectricity has met with some success, though environmentalists are beginning to worry about the affect that the damming of rivers is having on fish and plant populations (12).

1. Developed vs. Developing Countries

· 22.3% of the World's Population lived in Developed countries in 1993 (11).

· They consumed 68% of commercial energy.

 

Do we have the right to expect developing nations to conserve the amount of fossil fuels they consume when we are already devouring the lion’s share of these resources and creating the most pollution?

Will developing nations benefit from the U.S. as an Anti - Model for the means of progress and consumption of fossil fuels?

Is it possible that these developing nations will stumble upon alternative sources of energy in the possible wake of forced conservation?

 

2. Progress vs. Repercussions

Is the price paid for progress worth it?

Is it possible to take the steps necessary to cleanup the use of fossil fuels and find alternatives when the interests of "Big Industry" are at stake?

 

3. Domestic Oil vs. Imports

· Since 1994, the U.S. has imported at least half of its oil

· It is projected that the U.S. will import 100% of its oil by 2015.

 

Is it wise to rely on foreign oil supplies instead of domestic?

What are the Perks?

Is this process just a means to bleed other sources until we are forced to rely on our own?

How willing will the U.S. be to share if this occurs?

 

4. Government Subsidies: More harm than good?

8. Image Factory Multimedia. (1999, September 28). A-5Homepage.<http://www.a-55.com/>