1. Non-Renewable Resources Fossil Fuels (coal, oil, petroleum) take millions of years to form. (They form from dead plants and animals.) In the U.S. these are our “traditional energy resources”. They also create negative environmental impact. Mining fossil fuels destroys the environment and they cause air pollution when used.

2. Alternative Energy Sources (Renewable Resources) Non-renewable energy sources CANNOT be replenished (made again) in a short period of time such as coal, oil, and petroleum. Renewable energy sources CAN BE replenished in a short period of time. The five renewable resources used most often are: wind, solar, Biomass, hydropower, and nuclear power.

3. Alternative Energy Sources (Renewable Resources) Water (hydropower), Solar, Wind Limitations are due to availability. (It’s not always windy, sunny, or a water fall/dam is available) These alternatives can also be very expensive. All forms of Alternative energy can be transformed into electrical energy. New technology is allowing scientists to work on developing alternative fuels from biomass… corn and sugar cane are being used for example.