How does Burning fossil fuels work?

Each of the above fuels is a fossil fuel which is carbon based. Although municipal electricity may be produced from hydro or water power as well as a nuclear fuel based system, in the Hudson Valley the majority is produced by burning the cheapest fossil fuel.  Burning fuel creates heat and makes a turbine rotate to spin a generator creating electricity. Because they are carbon based they release carbon dioxide when burned. One of the major causes of climate change is increased carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels. Your family may have a small scale version of this if you have a generator at home that you use when the main electricity goes out. Portable generators are also used for camping, food trucks and carnivals, they come in a variety of sizes. In addition, as the name implies, these fuels are a fossil that take a very long time and the right conditions to be formed.  They are a limited supply. If you have ever heard your family members complain about the cost of gasoline, it is because it may be in short supply or hard to get. 

As of 2024 approximately 21% of New York's electricity is generated by moving water or hydroelectricity. These power plants are located on the Niagara River, St. Lawrence River and the Delaware River.  These make New York State unique.  By 2030 New York State electricity is projected to be 70% fossil free.