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Mitigation Plan

Mitigation Strategy for Energy Conservation Kevin Rogers SCI 275 Dr. Theodore Keneklis December 5, 2008 Mitigation Strategy for Energy Conservation There are many problems effecting the environment in a negative way. One of the biggest issues is energy conservation. Energy conservation is necessaryto help conserve natural resources and to save the environment. Many people are not aware of the crucial need to find ways as individuals to conserve energy. Conserving energy is an overwhelming challenge, but if everyone was educated and found ways to cut back on energy use the environment would be in better condition. Energy conservation is finding methods to reduce the amount of energy that is not needed and wasted. There are many ways to accomplish efficient energy use and finding ways to reduce the consumption of wasted and unnecessary energy. Energy conservation not only helps the environment, but cuts back on the amount of money individuals and businesses spend on gas and electricity. Energy is defined as “the ability to do work.” Work includes moving something, lifting something, warming something, or lighting something. Different types of energy transform energy into heat and power. When oil is burned, heat is made. Heat is used to boil water which turns into steam. Steam pressure turns a turbine which turns an electric generator. A generator produces electricity that powers light bulbs which give off light and heat. (EPA, p. 1) There are two forms of energy sources: renewable and nonrenewable. Non renewable sources are natural elements that cannot be replenished. Fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and gas are non renewable energy sources and the amounts are limited. In the United States around 71.5 percent of electricity is generated from non renewable resources. (EPA, 1997) Renewable sources of energy are wind power, hydropower (water), solar power (sun), biomass fermentation (vegetation), and the internal heat from the earth (geothermal). Unfortunately,...