When the new Southeast Polk High School opened, they added many new energy efficient products. This included installing geothermal heating under the high school, reducing the cost of heating such a large building. Many new windows save energy used to light the building, as well as automatic lights that turn off after several minutes of inactivity. The new high school shows how easy it is to save money and protect the environment. Renewable energy is good for all aspects of the United States because it generates jobs, economic growth, a clean environment, and new research to improve energy efficiency. Therefore, the United States should use renewable energy to benefit the economy and the environment. The main way the environment is affected is through the burning of fossil fuels. When a hydrocarbon, such as coal or natural gas, burns, it produces a gaseous byproduct called carbon dioxide. In small amounts, carbon dioxide is harmless, but in large amounts it creates what is called the "greenhouse effect." Carbon dioxide is trapped in the Earth's atmosphere and heat from the sun can enter it but cannot escape, causing global warming. Langwith states that 40% of the 433,000 metric tons of nitrous gas produced on Earth comes from human burning of fossil fuels (Langwith, “Renewable Energy is Beneficial”). All of this shows how, in the long term, renewable energy can improve our environment. One of the main reasons why renewable energy has not been widely used is the high start-up cost. Electricity generated by wind turbines and biomass, which burns or converts plants into usable energy, could cost up to twice as much as gas or coal-fired plants, according to research by Jerry Taylor. He goes on to say...... middle of paper......, Jacqueline. “A national renewable portfolio standard is not entirely beneficial.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Greehaven Press, 2009. web. March 30, 2010.- - -. “Renewable energies are beneficial for the environment.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Greehaven Press, 2009. web. March 30, 2010.- - -. “Renewable energies are economically beneficial. » Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Greenhaven Press, 2009. web. April 7, 2010. Madsen, Birger T. “Use of wind energy should be increased. » Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Greenhaven Press, 2004. web. March 30, 2010. Rich, Alex K and David C Morley. “Point: the alternative imperative. » Point of view reference center. NP, 2009. Web. March 31, 2010. Taylor, Jerry. “Renewable energy is expensive and will not prevent pollution. » Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Greenhaven Press, 2005. web. March 30. 2010.