Environmental Issues

One of the greatest threats to any economy in the world is lack of energy independence. An economy will be vulnerable to any shortage of energy supply in the world market which is followed by great prices increases. Energy independent policy should constitute a core part of any government agenda and objectives. It is asserted that America is the largest consumer of oil in the world. As the third producer of petroleum in the world, America has along journey towards achieving energy independence. Much of policies to ensure energy independence need to be blended with already existing policies to ensure energy independence objective is achieved as soon as possible.  

The sanctions by  Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on US for taking Israels side on the Israel-Palestinian (read Israel-Arab) conflict in 1970s raised concern in terms of America  self reliance in energy supply.  America energy supply has not been able to cater all energy demand in the country despite the country harboring enormous energy resources of coal, oil and natural gas. This calls for greater efforts by the government and the people of America to eradicate energy wastage while conserving the available energy resources.    The call to research and develop other renewable sources of energy should be at hand.  Mere plans and promises by the previous government to ensure energy independence have continued to make America vulnerable to world energy crisis.

A more logic plan need to be instituted to guide America towards energy independence.  It is good to note that America has lagging behind some countries e.g. China and Spain in research and development of renewable sources of energy which will ensure energy independence. This has also contributed to great environmental degradation by the America economy since great current use of petroleum, coal and natural gas lead to emission of large amounts of carbon gases which are pollutants and lead to global warming

The meaning of energy independence
Energy independence can simply be said to be a state of self reliance in energy supply to meet the energy demand in a country. An energy independence country will not rely in imports of energy. It will withstand current and future world energy shortages.

According to Stephen (1977) sanction by OPEC against U.S in 1973 aroused the need to chart the way forward in the whole course of achieving energy independence. Speed limit reduction and use of efficient appliances were some of the recommendations by the President Carters government. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards were also suggested. Research for alternative energy sources was to be intensified. The research would ensure reduction in oil drilling which poses a big environmental risk to wildlife.

Coal fired plants in America has also continued to emit great amount of carbon gas which pollute the air and at the same time causing global warming. The nuclear power generation was also seen as a solution towards achieving energy independence. However this can be one of the terrorists target and also poses a great danger in a case where a mistake is done in nuclear plant allowing radio active radiations to the atmosphere. This can harm living organisms.  Other alternative sources of energy which were to be utilized include wind farms, geothermal energy and solar energy. These are renewable sources of energy and their negative environmental impact is very little as compared to coal, petroleum and natural gases. Since then great efforts have been gathered towards achieving energy independence but the full marks is yet to be scored.
The question is can America become energy independent
 
America is the largest economy in the world and third rated producer of petroleum in the world.  Energy independence can be achieved in America.  America has enough resources to embark on great research and development of new renewable energy sources which are also friendly to the environment. Chiras (2006) suggest that energy independence can be achieved through solar, wind, hydro and wind power. In scrutinizing these four sources of energies in terms of environmental benefit it is apparent that they are friendly to environment. First, they have no emissions which are harmful to the environment as opposed to non renewable resources like petroleum, coal and natural gas which produces pollutant carbon gases. Coal and petroleum involves drilling which also interfere with environmental settings. It may lead to people displacement, destruction of wildlife and the landscape cropping. Places where coal digging has occurred are characterized by cropped landscape and are not conducive for human habitation.

The plan towards achieving energy independence in America
Many acts have been enacted to facilitate achievement of energy independence in America. David (2008) had the following suggestions to any presidential aspirant who is rely out to ensure energy dependence in America

Promotion of plug in hybrid cars
These cars have batteries which doesnt necessary require to be charged by energy from the engine. This will enhance efficient use of energy from the car engine and thus save the energy on the other hand these cars are environment friendly since they conserve energy needed in the future.

Use of bio fuels
These are fuels derived from biomass. The great threat of oil prices has prompted use of bio fuels. America this can be a great relief from dependence in petroleum, coal and natural gas. Emissions by vehicles using bio diesels are far much less as compared to those of vehicles using diesel. Fewer emissions will reduce air pollution in America and ensure good environment. This will also reduce hydrocarbons like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide which contribute towards global warming.

The use of bio fuels constitutes one of the ways America can ensure energy independence.

Fuel efficiency
Fuel should be used efficiently without wastage. Coal and petroleum should be used in the best way possible while avoiding wastage. This will ensure saving on current supply of the resources and also avoid unnecessary pollution caused by the gases from coal and petroleum.

Gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide will greatly be reduced meaning less air pollution and reduction of global warming

Strategic petroleum reserves
America should have strategic petroleum reserves which are reserved only to be used when chronic shortage petroleum supply occurs in the world. This will ensure America is not vulnerable to acute supply of petroleum in the world.

On the other hand this will discourage unnecessary drilling of oil which has negative impact on the environment. Oil drilling is a threat to the wildlife and changes the landscape.

Accelerated research and development in solar energy and geothermal energy
These two sources of energy are renewable. Solar is in unlimited supply and not at any time in America it has gone off indefinitely. Unlike petroleum and coal, solar and geothermal energies are associated with no emissions which are harmful to the environment. Their use will greatly reduce environmental degradation.

Diplomatic strategies
America should foster to create good relations with other countries of the world. Technology sharing like solar, nuclear and wind farm technologies can be of great contribution in ensuring energy independence in America.

Hydrogen use
Hydrogen is a renewable source of energy which can be used as a substitute to petroleum and nuclear energy which poses a great threat to the environment. The development of hydrogen driven cars should be emphasized in America. Hydrogen driven generators should be developed and promoted by the government. This will greatly reduce use of non renewable resources like petroleum and coal. This will also have great contribution towards environmental conservation. Less use of petroleum and coal means less carbon emissions. Reduction in carbon emission means less environmental degradation and thus reduced global warming.

China is one of the countries which has achieved energy independence
China has intensified its research and development of renewable sources of energy far much beyond than the Europe and U.S. Freeman (2007) wrote the following

China surpassed Europe and US to win the distinction of the government making the largest investment in renewable energy. She has invested 6 billion in small hydro-electric, solar hot water and wind power. She is among the world leaders in wind energy potential. China has set renewable portfolio standards goals. She has intensified her research in hybrid electricity and hydrogen vehicles. China has also invented tax policies on vehicle with large gas guzzling engines. We may be offered soon plug-ins and all electrics made in China.
Selling of surplus solar energy has been made easier in china through reduction of metering taxes. (p.136)
Another country the Americans have an example to learn from is Israel. The efforts by Israel government to harness electric power from saline solar ponds and streams have contributed towards Israel energy independence.

The time lag towards achieving energy independence
America is not too far away from attaining energy independence. To start with America harbors great resources in terms energy generating resources. America is the world number three producer of petroleum. It also has coal and natural gas in addition to petroleum. The America nuclear technology is far much developed as compared to other economies. The economy can be able to finance great research into development of more and advanced renewable energy sources. With a plan to chart the way forward then within few years, energy dependence by American economy will be a thing of past.

Conclusion
Despite being endowed with great resources America has continued to depend on other countries for supply of energy. This is a happening that all efforts should be gathered to do away with. Previous presidential aspirants have promised to deal with this situation when given mandate but up to date little has been done towards achieving energy independence. What we need in America is more investment by the government towards promotion of renewable energy. Encouragement of research entailing energy, efficient use of energy and elimination of energy wastage should be intensified.