Fossil Fuels vs. Fossil Fuels vs. Alternative EnergyAlternative Energy

What is Fossil Fuel?What is Fossil Fuel?

• Microorganisms are buried and decay

• Formed millions to hundreds of millions of years ago

• Supply is limited

• Burning produces carbon dioxide (CO2)

• Contains other impurities that cause pollution

Examples of Fossil Fuels:Examples of Fossil Fuels:

Extreme emissions and pollutionExtreme emissions and pollution

PetroleumPetroleum (oil) (oil) Used to fuel vehiclesUsed to fuel vehicles

CoalCoal Powers electricity plantsPowers electricity plants

More examples:More examples:

Fossil Fuels considered to be less harmful Fossil Fuels considered to be less harmful than oil…. But still limited in supply.than oil…. But still limited in supply.

►Natural GasNatural Gas►PropanePropane

Domestically abundant (in the USA)Domestically abundant (in the USA)

Fossil Fuel DependenceFossil Fuel Dependence

Alternative Sources of Alternative Sources of EnergyEnergy

Options to replace fossil fuelsOptions to replace fossil fuels

Solutions to solve environmental Solutions to solve environmental problemsproblemsReduce carbon emissions Reduce carbon emissions Lowers other greenhouse gasesLowers other greenhouse gases

Biomass energy sources• Ethanol

– Produced domestically– From corn or other crops– Produces lower greenhouse emissions

• Biodiesel– From vegetable or animal fats– Produces less pollution

Alternative Fuels

Electricity as an AlternativeElectricity as an Alternative

Electric Motor VehiclesElectric Motor Vehicles

75% of energy is 75% of energy is converted to powerconverted to power

No tailpipe emissionsNo tailpipe emissions Domestic Domestic (self reliant)(self reliant) Stronger accelerationStronger acceleration Less maintenanceLess maintenance

Electric CarsElectric Cars

Internal Combustion Internal Combustion EngineEngine

15-20% of energy is 15-20% of energy is converted to powerconverted to power

Great emissionsGreat emissions Political and Economic Political and Economic

issuesissues