ANNA CARDILLO ANNEMARIE RUCH KYLIE MCBRIDE Energy

The Energy Crisis Too much energy dependence on foreign nations  In 2010, the U.S. imported 49% of the crude oil and refined petroleum sources which were consumed  18% of these resources came from the Persian Gulf Too much dependence on nonrenewable energy resources  Fossil fuels, along with nuclear energy, provide 93% of the world’s energy resources

Background 1915-First modern petroleum refinery founded by Shell 1920s- In order to stabilize oil prices, the government passed regulations to create regulated prices Hydraulic power became a major source of energy in the United States 1930s- FDR installed New Deal projects that brought power to the Tennessee River Valley 1950s-Popularity of cars made oil the most used source of energy and the first photovoltaic cells were invented The first commercial nuclear plant was created 1961-First self-positioning drilling ship launched by Shell 1965-First fuel cells used successfully on two space shuttles

Background Energy Policy and Conservation Act was developed in order to modernize energy regulation 1979-Revolution in Iran leads to a spike in oil prices 1984-Nuclear energy 2 nd largest source of U.S. energy Energy Policy Act of 1992 Introduced one of the key drivers of the renewable energy industry % rise in nuclear energy usage 2000-Shell energy was introduced 2005-Kyoto Protocol required lower carbon emission levels Energy Policy Act of 2005 helped regulate things like daylight savings time and grants to the environment

The Policy Goal Find sustainable, domestic sources of energy which minimize environmental degradation and dependence on foreign sources Decrease reliance on one single source and disperse the dependence into several different sources:  Solar  Wind  Nuclear  Fossil fuels

Proposed Plan of Action Add a tax in order to collect money for funding for energy Make energy a larger part of the National Budget In terms of the gasoline problem, investment in domestic corn oil research Funding research and investing in renewable resources Research new war technology that is energy efficient

Budgetary Impact Immediate impact is much more expensive, but over time becomes a much smaller expense for budget Less money put into buying gasoline Investments into solar fuel in cities and wind turbines in rural areas Investigation into nuclear energy

“Winners” and “Losers” The federal government would not have to invest so much in foreign fuel sources, especially in the Middle East Environmental stewards and interest groups would have accomplished the start of their goals The American people would pay less for gas The federal government would have to invest in these new, domestic sources and the research The foreign governments and private businesses would receive less money from us! Anti-environmental groups would react negatively

Reading and Discussion Questions 1. What is your opinion on renewable resources such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy? 2. Does the claim made by this source about coal waste and methane gas effect your opinion of coal as a resource? How so? 3. What impact does the practice of waste incineration have on your opinion of current energy and fuel practices? 4. In your opinion, is there any reason why these proposed practices should not become the primary source of fuel for America? 5. Can you think of any other resource or method which would be more effective?

Works Cited pendence.cfm pendence.cfm gies.asp gies.asp vs-renewable-energy-resources/ vs-renewable-energy-resources/ nt_society/education/student/energy_timeline/ nt_society/education/student/energy_timeline/