America's Energy Future

Continuing on the strand of citizens fulfilling their expected role in a contract with government, I'm planning on focusing on energy policy. This has always been a particular interest of mine (though I'm probably not especially informed on it), and I have an interest in pursuing it in the future.

Today's Energy Debate
Having just finished judging some summer camp debate rounds on the convoluted, barely-ekeing-through-the-House (219-212) Democratic-sponsored energy bill that deals mostly with a cap-and-trade policy, I have become convinced that as with many things politicians do, the energy debate has become sidetracked from a purer vision of America's energy future both in the short and long term context.

Ideological supporters of a fresh energy policy seem to be very good at thinking with their hearts on the issue. Many environmental advocacy groups propose radical solutions for the fear that global warming will end us as surely as the upcoming movie 2012 predicts apocalypse at the end of the Mayan calendar. Meanwhile, energy traditionalists seem content and complacent with our tried-and-true energy policies that the American economy has been reliant on for at least a century. When these two sides clash, both accuse the other of wanting to destroy America. This is sadly predictable of ideologues in the age of cable news. So how about (my view of) an honest and not sidetracked assessment of the contemporary energy debate.


There is no doubt (outside of those who fall to the right of the Heritage Foundation) that global warming is leading the global environment down a path towards unpredictable and increasingly inhospitable conditions for mankind. There is also no doubt that moving towards sustainable sources of energy for our power grid will require a painful transition from coal and natural gas. The American Coal Council estimates job loss in the coal and other related industries to occur in terms of millions. Finally, there is no doubt that alternative and sustainable energy sources are a long way from total viability. The American Enterprise Institute cites that renewable sources of energy (not including hydroelectric power) had only a 2.3% American market share in 2007.

So considering that global warming is a problem, nonrenewable energy sources by defintion cannot be used indefinitely, the transition from these sources will inevitably hurt, and that there is a long way to go for viable alternative energy sources - where do we go from here?

Nuclear Power
This is the only non-fossil fuel that has a sustained presence in the American energy market, satisfying 20% of our domestic demand. However, nuclear power also happens to be extremely divisive and cliched in discussion. For example, try to carry on a reasoned discussion about nuclear power without mentioning Chernobyl.

In truth, nuclear power is a safe and reliable source of energy when properly maintained. However, it is enormously expensive to ensure that such standards are met and all insurance against potentially apocalyptic nuclear meltdown occurs (cue aforementioned environmental groups). So let's say for now that nuclear energy is not the easiest way out of our current energy situation.

Energy Efficiency
There are few issues out there that consensus can exist so readily on, and I firmly believe energy efficiency is one of them. However, as with reducing obesity costs in healthcare, it requires individual initiative.

The magazine National Geographic reported in depth on energy efficiency in March 2009. Simple electricity savings in the American home can include reducing usage 8% alone by turning off electronics instead of leaving them on "standby". Further savings can come from using energy efficient appliances and refitting homes with efficient windows and doors to minimize heat loss. However, most Americans polled for the magazine indicated they would not prioritize energy efficiency, especially when disposable income is harder to come by.

To the rescue comes everyone's favorite American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or as you probably have seen referred to ad nauseum in your nightly CNN/MSNBC/FOX watching as "the stimulus package" (or "Obama's Marxist lovefest" for the latter station). But how effective will the ARRA be for energy efficiency? The D.O.E. reports that $2.7 billion in grant money was allocated from the $787 billion total to encourage local government projects in energy efficiency research. So basically, more bureaucracy en route to our true goal.

The political speech poster boy town of Greensburg, Kansas has made huge strides in building a model community of energy efficiency in the wake of a tornado. Such moves are possible by the individual American. Undoubtedly, it will be costly. However, considering buying highly rated appliances, thinking conservatively about gas usage, and even turning off the "standby" electronics can make a dent (just as healthy lifestyles in healthcare) in American energy usage. As a result, we buy ourselves more time in finding practical and effective solutions for energy futures.

International Cooperation
All of this is well and good until the rest of the world comes into focus. Rising powers like China and India seem intent on plowing ahead with fast-paced industrialization. Pressures from conventional powers to reduce emissions and energy usage are as offensive to these countries as it would have been if a large authority came in and asked the United States to stop the Industrial Revolution for a somewhat more intangible higher purpose. Their reluctance is understandable. The climate change summit in Copenhagen, Denmark this winter will be a key collision of opinions for a chance at future global energy policy.

If diplomats pull the right strings and the right political avenues are taken, the United States could be in a good position to make things happen in the realm of global energy responsiblity. Otherwise, more of us just might accede to the Greenpeace view of an unchecked world future.

Way Down the Road
Time to bring out the 3-D glasses and other trappings of your Back to the Future 1950s culture when considering the mysterious sci-fi nature of future energy solutions. In anywhere from decades to centuries, after all of the current energy situation debate is put to rest by the march of time, some pretty cool things could happen in the providing of power. Among them is nuclear fusion, which is a current government research initiative. Undoubtedly, solutions will arise in the future and will become the accepted permanent solution to energy needs, just as coal must have seemed to people like Andrew Carnegie, John Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan. However, on the road to that inevitability, we must accept current truths and look forward with a sense of practicality and purpose.