Dunkin'
Donuts claims that America runs on coffee; maybe, but what runs the 8 million
commercial buildings and 250 million vehicles that support Americans day in and
day out? The answer is 10,000 feet below you.
Together,
petroleum and natural gas generate over 60% of the energy consumed in the
United States; factor in coal and that percentage rises to 80%. Coal companies
have created new, more efficient technologies to produce “clean coal” and
natural gas companies have asserted that their fuel will power a greener,
cleaner America. But don’t let these companies fool you; while their processes
may have come a far way from just 15 years ago, “clean” and “green” are merely
used as relative terms.
Petroleum
and coal consist of carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and other
chemicals; natural gas is predominantly methane. These compounds produce energy
when they are burned, but they also produce various pollutants. Petroleum and
coal emit carbon monoxide (CO), which is typically transformed into the less
potent greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) with a catalytic
converter; sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
are also emitted, both of which are toxic to humans and the environment and are
known to cause acid rain. Further, fine particulate matter, in the form of
sulfates and nitrates, are released, which cause smog and can lead to a variety
of respiratory illnesses. Pollution reduction technologies and more efficient
processes can reduce the amount of these compounds that are emitted, but they
cannot eliminate them.
Natural
gas is sometimes called a “clean energy” because, relative to petroleum and
coal, natural gas emits less than 1/2 of the carbon dioxide and less than a 1/3
of the nitrogen oxide than petroleum or coal. While this is a “cleaner” source,
it is a far cry from pollution-free.
The
answer is in the wind.
Since
2000, energy generation from wind power has grown over 900% in the United
States, from 6 billion kilowatt hours to 140 billion kw hours! The future
growth of wind power is strong: it is projected to grow another 19% in 2013.
Part of this growth has been fueled by Federal incentives, such as tax credits,
low-interest loans, and grants; further, several state governments have set up
markets in which citizens and organizations can buy and sell both renewable
energy credits and certificates, as well as establish Renewable Energy
Portfolio standards, requiring utility providers to supply a certain amount of
electricity from renewable energy sources.
Even
with this tremendous growth, however, wind power only accounts for 3.3% of all
electricity generated in the United States. Federal and state incentives can
only go so far and last for so long; in order to continue this growth in wind
power consumers need to demand it. Contact your utility company and ask for
renewable pricing - it is becoming increasingly competitive with other sources
of energy. Further, speak with a local solar consultant to see if solar panels
are a viable option for your home.
Breathe
Easy
Here at
Hostelling International Chicago, we are a voluntary E.P.A. Green Power Partner
and derive 100% of our electricity from wind power. By purchasing renewable
energy, HI Chicago is not only reducing its impact on the environment, but it is
supporting growth in the renewable energy industry. The supply of renewable
energy is only half the solution, however; we must also look at demand.
At
HI-Chicago, have replaced all of our incandescent light bulbs with CFLs and
LEDs, which can be up to 85% more energy efficient! In addition to this, we
have installed light occupancy sensors in many of our common areas, so lights
are only on when necessary. These energy efficiency initiatives have had a
great impact on reducing our energy consumption, but we could still use your
help! Be sure to switch off your light when leaving the room and try taking the
stairs next time you're about to board the elevator!
References:
Epa.gov
Eia.gov
Energy.gov
