
Background
Overview
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Alternative energy is crucial for transitioning away from polluting and finite fossil fuels toward a more sustainable, clean, and secure energy future(1)
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Alternative energy sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power are renewable and do not emit greenhouse gasses during energy generation(1)
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This helps mitigate climate change by reducing carbon emissions(2)
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Alternative energy can also reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, improving energy security(3)
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The costs of many alternative energy technologies have fallen dramatically in recent years, making them increasingly cost-competitive with conventional energy(1)
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This allows alternative energy to drive economic growth and job creation in the sustainable energy industry(3)
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Widespread adoption of alternative energy can also reduce the impacts of severe weather events exacerbated by climate change, such as droughts, floods, and storms(3)
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It can also minimize our overall fuel dependency
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Breakdown of US Energy Consumption by Energy Source
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The U.S. energy mix is still dominated by fossil fuels, particularly natural gas and coal, but renewable energy sources like wind and solar are steadily growing their share of electricity generation(6)
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Looking at total U.S. energy consumption across all sectors (electricity, transportation, and heating), fossil fuels make up 79% of the total, with renewable energy sources accounting for 12%(6)
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The remaining energy comes from nuclear power which is about 8%(6)