Final answer:
The most abundant nonrenewable energy source in the United States is coal, which could supply energy for around 200 more years. Despite its abundance, the transition to renewable energy is vital due to the environmental impacts of burning coal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nonrenewable energy source that is most abundant in the United States and could potentially supply the US with energy for another 200 years is coal. Coal is a type of fossil fuel that formed from plant and animal remains millions of years ago. While oil reserves are estimated to last until around 2055 and natural gas until about 2085, coal reserves are predicted to last until around the year 2250, making it the most abundant fossil fuel available in the US. However, the high carbon emissions from burning coal and its contribution to global warming make the development of renewable energy sources crucial.
Currently, about 85% of our energy comes from nonrenewable fossil fuels including oil, natural gas, and coal. The US consumption of oil is particularly high, with the country using 24% of the world's oil production annually, and 66% of that oil is imported. The need to shift away from fossil fuels is underscored by their contribution to global warming through carbon dioxide emissions, making the transition to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass an urgent matter for sustainability and environmental health.