Controversial Opinions
67% of US electricity comes from fossil fuels. Much of the controversy over US transition to renewable energy comes from the doubts that renewable energy can effectively replace this amount of energy that fossil fuels provide.
Individuals SUPPORTING Renewable Energy Argue:
(Liberals fall into this category)
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Humans are to blame for climate change.
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Fossil fuels destroy the environment.
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Fossil fuels do not replenish fast enough to keep up with US demand for electricity. We could potentially run out in the future.
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Fossil fuels are the primary reasons we see climate change and global warming.
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Yearly maintenance costs are lower when compared to regular power.
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Total elimination of CO2 emissions could take place if we switch over. This will create positive changes for our earth and atmosphere.
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According to the NY Times, "The U.S. solar industry now employs more than 200,000 workers- roughly three times as many as the coal mining industry".
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Individuals AGAINST Renewable Energy Argue:
(Conservatives fall into this category)
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Climate change is happening due to Earth's natural processes, not because of humans.
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Fossil fuels will last for hundreds of years to come.
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Coal has become way cleaner within the past generation.
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It will take 30 years to get rid of fossil fuels.
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Renewable energy isn't reliable at all times.
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The installation process of renewable energy is too costly.
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"Every one of the past 40 years has been warmer than the 20th century average. 2016 was the hottest year on record."