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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.
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Coal Founded in Richmond, VA.
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First Commercial coal production begins from mines around Richmone, VA.
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Scientists discover that applying electric current to water produced hydrogen and oxygen gases. This was called electrolysis.
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The first natural gas well is drilled in Fredonia, New York.
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The windmill becomes popular water pumping tool of western homesteaders and railroad builders.
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An oil well is drilled in PA by Edwin Drake; kerosene begins to replace other lamp fuels.
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The first solar power system is developed in France , which produced steam to drive machinery.
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Abraham Lincoln enacts ethanol tax to help finance the Civil War.
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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.
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The first windmill to generate electricity is developed in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A modern oil industry in Texas is born.
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Albert Einstein publishes the first theoretical paper describing the photoelectric effect.
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The "Free Alcohol Bill" is signed to promote teh use of alcohol as an alternative to gasoline.
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The Supreme Court ordered a dissolution of Standard Oil Trust for engaging in monopolistic practices.
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The world's first geothermal power plant is built in California.
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A Federal law is established to control pollution from oil industries.
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The world's largest hydroelectric power plant is built.
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Atomic Energy Act passed.
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The first U.S. satellite in orbit utilized solar cells for power.
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Santa Barbara Oil Spill draws national attention.
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President Carter delivers famous energy speech arguing for conservation of aterate fuels.
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Congress passes act to stimulate development of hydrogen power.
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Plans announced to build FutureGen, the world's first zero emmision power plant.
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U.S. House prevents drilling for oil in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
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IPCC report concludes that climate change is happening and is most likely caused by human activity.
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The worst coal ash spill in U.S. history occurs in Kingston, Tennessee.
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The first framework for wind energy development on U.S. outer continental shelf is announced.
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U.S. announces $467 million in recovery act funding for solar energy and geothermal energy development.
