The Benefits of Having Energy Independence
The entire concept of energy independence revolves around using the resources within a country. Simply put, it’s “Stay within your own means and stop taking help from outside”. In the United States of America, energy independence is a political agenda whereby the country would eventually, through shifts in its energy policy and technology development, approach self-sufficiency in its energy needs by producing close to the amount of energy that it consumes. If total energy possibilities are taken advantage of, presently the U.S. would be over 70% self-sufficient.
Energy independence will lead to America being unaffected by global energy supply disruptions, and restrict reliance upon politically unstable states for energy purposes. Oil is the most important imported energy source for the purpose of both transportation and electricity. The United States is the world’s third largest producer of oil, but also relies on imported oil, especially from the Middle East. Such resources are finite and quickly decreasing, despite an increase in demand.
Oil is a natural source of energy, but it is not the only source. With the help of new technology, America’s energy needs can be obtained from sources other than petroleum. Science and technology has put a man on the moon, mapped the human genome, and successfully landed robotic exploration vehicles on Mars. It seems reasonable to believe that scientists and engineers could also develop environmentally safe alternative energy technology that would free America from oil dependence.
The prime political benefit is argued to be the reduction of North America’s energy dependence on unstable regions such as the Middle East and South America. Additionally, controlling energy production to the North American Free Trade Area helps to reduce the exposure to terrorism abroad. Today, the world consumes over 80 million barrels of oil every day (over 30 billion barrels per year); the USA alone consumes over 20 million barrels per day (over 7 billion barrels per year). At $100 per barrel, the global petroleum industry is a three trillion dollar a year business. Development of alternative energy to free America from oil dependence will create a seismic shift within the economic foundation of the world. American energy independence will lead to a world economy that is no longer desperate for oil - a green economy.
The solution lies in development of alternative energy, by using renewable energy sources to displace fossil fuels. Subsidies have been provided for alternative and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, and nuclear power. Individual states have created incentives for citizens to participate in this movement through small things such as solar hot waters, solar panels, energy efficiency programs, alternative fuel vehicles, and green building.
Citizens can spur this movement on by partnering with businesses that promote the use of renewable energy. The more we align ourselves with this fundamental shift in the everyday choices we make, the more change we will see. This green movement will be lead by entrepreneurial ventures. America is on the cusp of a crucial movement that will positively impact our future economically in ways not seen since the Great Depression. Embrace the green economy through getting informed, getting on board, and spreading the message.