Greenhouse Gases

• The burning of any fossil fuels to create energy releases carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide is the main culprit when it comes to creating holes in the ozone or trapping the sun's radiated heat. Coal adds to this with sulfur dioxide. As sulfur dioxide is introduced into the atmosphere and joins with a rain cloud, it creates an acidic rain.
  
  

Finite Availability

• Fossil fuels are the remains of plants and animals (dinosaurs) from millions of years ago. Since the process of creating fossil fuels takes millions of years, there is no way to replenish the supply. This is a nonrenewable energy source that will be used up someday if other energy sources are not utilized.
  
  

Environmental Concerns

• Mining for coal, particularly the practice of mountaintop removal, destroys entire landscapes. This affects the wildlife in and around the area and causes air and water pollution. Oil spills can harm birds, marine life, marine ecosystems, and the fishing and tourism industries.
  
  

Freedom

• Many oil reserves are overseas. Other countries control the price of crude oil, and this control over energy gives them leverage with government policymakers. Reliance on countries that do not have our best interests at heart puts our freedom at risk.