Sarah Schenck
Ms. Duquette
AP Gov A P.3
26 September 2010
Energy/ Environmental Policy Issue Paper
Between the hundreds of billions of dollars spent yearly on foreign fossil fuels, the growing hostile relationships with unstable supplier nations, and the dangerous consumption of resources that pose dire threats to not only the environment, but the economy as well, it has become increasingly obvious over the past decade that America is amidst an energy security crisis that must be solved. When it comes to finding the most viable solution to this dilemma, there is a general consensus that action must be taken to quickly reach energy independence in our nation. However, the method by which we should achieve this is a sizzling debate amongst Democrats and Republicans.
From a Democratic standpoint, the solution lies with government intervention in the energy market. In regards to becoming energy independent, pursuing a plan to invest billions of dollars into “a green energy sector that will create up to five million jobs” (presidency.ucsb.edu) over the next ten years will employ widespread use of non-fossil fuels and focus on creating a renewable energy industry that develops solar, wind, and geothermal technologies. According to Democrats, a course of action to establish an economy-wide cap and trade program by offering incentives for reduced carbon emissions will create enough revenue to dedicate to making “America fifty percent more energy efficient by 2030” (presidency.ucsb.edu).
In contrast, Republicans' solution to the crisis puts emphasis on a “a free-market, hands-off approach” (wikinvest.com). While Republicans also want to veer away from dependency on foreign nations for our oil supplies, they support replacing it through “increased production of American-made energy” (johnboehner.house.gov) with domestic oil and gas production over developing alternative energy supplies (ontheissues.org). Additionally, encouraging conservation and efficiency through tax incentives is also a main priority of Republicans, such as McCain's proposed Clean Car Challenge in which a five- thousand dollar tax credit would be presented to those who purchase zero- emissions automobiles. Furthermore, in stark contrast to Democrats, Republicans support coal-to-liquid investments as an option for future energy use.
While the basis of Democratic response to the energy crisis revolves around development of renewable energy sources and elimination of drilling in foreign nations, as well as in America, Republicans are supportive of achieving energy independence by taking advantage of the natural resources from our land. Despite the method by which the U.S. takes action, it is vital that a switch be made immediately in order to ensure economic relief and a healthier planet.
Bibliography
http://www.wikinvest.com/concept/Republicans_vs._Democrats
http://ontheissues.org/Background_Energy_+_Oil.htm
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=78283
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=78545
www.johnboehner.house.gov/.../06102009AmericanEnergyAct.pdf
