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Fuel Coke Discovered
Discovered that the roasting process used to make charcoal from wood could be adapted to coal. This resulted in an extremelyhot-burning fuel, named coke. -
Coal Founded in Richmond, VA.
Coal Founded in Richmond, VA. -
Coal Production Begins
First Commercial coal production begins from mines around Richmone, VA. -
Electrolysis Discovered
Scientists discover that applying electric current to water produced hydrogen and oxygen gases. This was called electrolysis. -
Natural Gas Well
The first natural gas well is drilled in Fredonia, New York. -
Windmill Becomes Popular
The windmill becomes popular water pumping tool of western homesteaders and railroad builders. -
Oil Well Drilled
An oil well is drilled in PA by Edwin Drake; kerosene begins to replace other lamp fuels. -
Solar Power System Developed
The first solar power system is developed in France , which produced steam to drive machinery. -
Ethanol Tax Enabled
Abraham Lincoln enacts ethanol tax to help finance the Civil War. -
Standard Oil Developed
John D. Rockefeller forms Standard Oil and develops petroleum as a major energy source in the U.S. Standard Oil eventually becomes a monarchy, causing other oil industries to go out of business and being the sole provider of petroleum oil. -
First Windmill in U.S.
The first windmill to generate electricity is developed in Cleveland, Ohio. -
Oil Industry in Texas
A modern oil industry in Texas is born. -
Albert Einstein Publishes Paper
Albert Einstein publishes the first theoretical paper describing the photoelectric effect. -
"Free Alcohol Bill" Signed
The "Free Alcohol Bill" is signed to promote teh use of alcohol as an alternative to gasoline. -
Standard Oil Trust Ended
The Supreme Court ordered a dissolution of Standard Oil Trust for engaging in monopolistic practices. -
Geothermal Power Plant
The world's first geothermal power plant is built in California. -
Federal Law Established
A Federal law is established to control pollution from oil industries. -
Hoover Dam Built
The world's largest hydroelectric power plant is built. -
Atomic Energy Act Passed
Atomic Energy Act passed. -
U.S. Satellite in Orbit Utilizes Sun Power
The first U.S. satellite in orbit utilized solar cells for power. -
Santa Barbara Oil Spill
Santa Barbara Oil Spill draws national attention. -
Carter's Energy Speech
President Carter delivers famous energy speech arguing for conservation of aterate fuels. -
Congree Passes Hydrogen Power Act
Congress passes act to stimulate development of hydrogen power. -
FutureGen Built
Plans announced to build FutureGen, the world's first zero emmision power plant. -
U.S. House Prevents Drilling Oil
U.S. House prevents drilling for oil in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. -
Climate Change Noticed
IPCC report concludes that climate change is happening and is most likely caused by human activity. -
Coal Ash Spill in Tennessee
The worst coal ash spill in U.S. history occurs in Kingston, Tennessee. -
Wind Energy Development
The first framework for wind energy development on U.S. outer continental shelf is announced. -
Geothermal Energy Development Plan
U.S. announces $467 million in recovery act funding for solar energy and geothermal energy development.
