Most of the electricity that we use today is generated by burning fossil fuels.

What are Fossil Fuels?

Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons such as such as coal, oil and natural gas, sourced from the organic remains of plants and animals that lived up to 300 million years ago. Just the fact that they took that long to form means that they will eventually run out. But there’s more to it - burning fossil fuels to generate electricity also releases some icky stuff into the atmosphere: pollution and carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas.

Obama and Renewable Energy

Barack Obama has talked about generating renewable energy from sources like the wind, the sun, or even heat from deep inside the earth. These are sources that never run out and create the least amount of pollution.

Contact Your Senator

Being aware of how your energy is generated can help you make  renewable energy choices in the future. Write a letter to your Senator asking him to consider using more renewable energy sources.

What You Need

• A pen, paper and envelope
• The internet

Remember to use recycled materials.

What to Do

• Write a letter to your local Senator explaining how fossil fuels affect the environment and ask them to consider using more renewable energy sources.
• Find your local Senator by searching through this list from the United States Government Website.
• Rather than mailing a letter, consider writing your letter on the contact form provided on the website.