Because coal is readily available, it is among the top used energy source. To put things in perspective, "about 95% of the commercial energy used in the United States comes from nonrenewable energy sources," with 86% coming from fossil fuels alone (Miller 352). A political problem contributing to non-renewable use is that the "fossil fuel industries that have been receiving government subsidies for over 50 years don't want to give it up" (Miller 353). With government help, these coal-hungry industries are thriving, and causing even more global issues. As a representative of Pepco Energy, Monjed Barakat says that there are two ways that are the most effective in encouraging people to use renewable technologies: "government regulations, change[ing] the laws so that certain conventional technologies become illegal," and by "provide[ing] financial incentives like rebates and subsidies, by the government, so that renewable technologies are economically attractive." .
Our increasing dependency on non-renewable resources is detrimental to our environment in a variety of ways. Combustion of fossil fuels for energy "produces emissions such as sulfur, nitrogen oxide (NOx), and mercury" (DLIST BCLME). The combination of Sulfur and oxygen creates what is known as acid rain, killing marine life as acidification takes over their of lakes and streams (EPA). It is utterly selfish and inhumane of us to make energy for ourselves and not account for the innocent lives that are being killed and threatened. What makes humanity any more important than the thousands of marine life residing in local waterways? "Coal mining may result in underground fires that are virtually impossible to extinguish"(Enzler). These underground fires lead to degradation of habitat to much wildlife living with the area. Drastic reduction in these pollutants is required for a sustained existence for life (Barakat).