We should be very proud to live in the United States. Our country has a vast variety of natural resources which we enjoy each and every day. This country"s natural resources lay in a delicate balance. If we interrupt this balance, we could destroy nature, our prosperity, or the world. Natural resources such as coal, natural gas, oil, and water are critical to our existence as a people. For example, our homes are heated by precious natural gas, our automobiles are fueled by gas as well. Coal and oil are raw materials with which we make other materials. Finally, water has always been vital to us each day in more ways than we realize. We need to drink clean water. Our culture uses water to clean, wash, and lubricate.

             The country"s natural resources have been present in the earth since the beginning of time. In the very top layer of the earth, we find most of the earth"s natural resources. These include water, plants, wood, and animals. Just below the earth"s surface we find minerals, such as gypsum, magnesium, peat and iron ore. We use these raw materials to combine with other minerals or metals to produce some of the world"s finest products. Special minerals such as gold, silver, and diamonds are nestled deeper down in the earth"s crust. Precious natural resources found in the bottom of the earth"s crust include, oil, gas, and coal which we use for fuel. .

             As one would guess, much of our nation"s natural resources are located in the great state of Texas. Texas is the nation"s wealthiest mineral producer. The economy is dominated by the abundant energy resources. The state is the leading U.S. source of natural gas and second largest U.S. oil producer. Other important minerals include helium, salt, sulfur, sodium sulfate, and clays. Major industries include oil refining and the manufacture of machinery, transportation equipment, food products, and chemicals. Only California surpasses Texas in the value of its agricultural output.