Source of much of America's electricity: cheap coal from Montana

Geo: Source of our electricity: coal from Montana , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

While inexpensive coal from Montana is a boon to our rapacious appetite for electricity, it is not good for the environment.

Carbon dioxide produced in the process of making electricity is harmful to the ozone.

But the alternative and renewable energy sources do not generate an adequate amount of electricity.

"Growing electricity demand in the U.S. and in the world will require increases in all generation options (renewables, coal, and nuclear) in addition to increased efficiency and conservation in its use. Coal will continue to play a significant role in power generation and as such carbon dioxide management from it will become increasingly important," says MIT.edu.