Renewable resources are also known as alternative energy sources. Alternative energy is any source of energy that can be renewed (Issit). Renewable energy includes hydrogen, biomass, hydroelectricity, solar energy, geothermal energy and nuclear energy. Hydrogen fuel is an amalgam of hydrogen and oxygen used to produce electricity (Issit). Biomass fuel is made from materials already in use, such as compost, and can be used to produce electricity (Issit). Hydropower can be created by the movement of water or wind to produce electricity (Issit). Using sunlight to produce electricity is called solar energy (Issit). Geothermal energy is the energy produced by heat under the earth's mantle (Issit). Nuclear energy is energy created by reactions of radioactive isotopes. Fossil fuel is energy that cannot be reused and is made from the remains of life dating back millions of years ago (Dictionary). These are not renewable resources, and their abundance is decreasing day by day (Issit). Nearly 25% of the world's fossil fuels are used by the United States of America. The first coal gas electric company was established in Baltimore, Maryland in 1816 (Issit). Only seven years later, scientists discovered solar power, but the use of fossil fuels was increasing so much that solar power was barely used. In the 1850s, oil drilling began in Titusville, Pennsylvania, and global exports began over the next decade. In 1908, Middle Eastern countries, such as Iraq, began drilling for oil and global export began soon after (Issit). In 1947, political tensions between the Middle East and the United States threatened oil imports. Today, fossil fuels cause health problems, and in 2006, there were only 1,200 barrels left in the world...... middle of paper ......af/solar.renewables/page/ trends/returns. html>.Issitt, Micah L. “Exploring Alternative Energy: An Overview.” » Points of view: Exploration of alternative energies. Viewpoints. Big Neck, 2007. 1-1. Reference center for viewpoints. EBSCO. Ann Scott Carell Lib., Nashville. November 5, 2008. Rich, Alex K. “Point: The Alternative Imperative.” Reference center for viewpoints. EBSCO. Ann Scott Carell Lib., Nashville. March 4, 2009. “Key U.S. Court Rules Applicable to the Navy in Whale-Sonar Case.” » New scientist: Environment. November 12, 2008. January 22, 2009. “U.S. Supreme Court Forces EPA to Rethink Emissions.” » New scientist: Environment. April 2, 2007. January 22. 2009 .