Final answer:
The statement is true; coal and natural gas are Pennsylvania's top two non-renewable energy resources. These fossil fuels are used faster than they can naturally replenish, with coal and natural gas accounting for a significant portion of the energy produced in the U.S. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is essential for sustainability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Pennsylvania's top two non-renewable energy resources are coal and natural gas is True. Nonrenewable resources like coal and natural gas are defined as natural resources that are consumed at a faster rate than nature can replenish.
Coal and natural gas formed from plant and animal remains over extensive periods, ranging from 50 to 350 million years ago. It is these types of resources that compose a significant portion of the energy produced and used, including in states like Pennsylvania.
Historical data shows that fossil fuels, which include coal, petroleum, and natural gas, accounted for approximately 80% of the total U.S. primary energy production in 2019. Since Pennsylvania has been a major coal mining state for years and has more recently become a significant producer of natural gas, mainly through the Marcellus Shale formation, it's clear that these two resources are indeed Pennsylvania's top nonrenewable energy resources.
However, the reliance on these resources also raises environmental concerns, especially about the emissions resulting from their combustion, which contributes to greenhouse gas accumulation.
Currently, the consumption rate of these resources outpaces the time it would take for their natural formation, leading to a push toward finding and utilizing renewable energy sources. Examples of renewable energy sources are solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The deployment and transition towards these renewable energy resources are crucial for sustainable energy use in the future.