Mining coal disturbs the land and modifies the chemistry of rainwater runoff, which in turn affects stream and river water quality.

Consuming the largest amount of energy, space heating accounts for 31% of all residential energy used. Space cooling accounts for an additional 12% of energy usage.

Consuming the largest amount of energy, space heating accounts for 31% of all residential energy used. Space cooling accounts for an additional 12% of energy usage.

Consuming the largest amount of energy, space heating accounts for 31% of all residential energy used. Space cooling accounts for an additional 12% of energy usage.

School buildings represent 13% of commercial buildings energy use, or about 2.5% of total U.S. energy use (13% × 19%).

School buildings represent 13% of commercial buildings energy use, or about 2.5% of total U.S. energy use (13% × 19%).

School buildings represent 13% of commercial buildings energy use, or about 2.5% of total U.S. energy use (13% × 19%).

In 2014, the industrial sector represented 32% of U.S. energy use, while transportation was 28%. Residential and commercial were 22% and 19% respectively.

In 2014, the industrial sector represented 32% of U.S. energy use, while transportation was 28%. Residential and commercial were 22% and 19% respectively.

In 2014, the industrial sector represented 32% of U.S. energy use, while transportation was 28%. Residential and commercial were 22% and 19% respectively.

All of the reasons mentioned are considered obstacles to producing cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells.

All of the reasons mentioned are considered obstacles to producing cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells.

All of the reasons mentioned are considered obstacles to producing cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells.

While wind energy has many benefits, all of the above are considered drawbacks to wind energy.

While wind energy has many benefits, all of the above are considered drawbacks to wind energy.

While wind energy has many benefits, all of the above are considered drawbacks to wind energy.

Fuel cells are an efficient way to convert hydrogen to electricity, but the energy is stored in the hydrogen.

On average, a typical coal-burning power plant in 2013 was about 33% efficient in converting heat energy into electrical power. A gas-fired plant was about 42% efficient. And in natural gas combined-cycle power plants—in which waste heat from a natural gas turbine is used to power a steam turbine—generation may be as much as 60% efficient.

On average, a typical coal-burning power plant in 2013 was about 33% efficient in converting heat energy into electrical power. A gas-fired plant was about 42% efficient. And in natural gas combined-cycle power plants—in which waste heat from a natural gas turbine is used to power a steam turbine—generation may be as much as 60% efficient.

There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.

There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.

There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.