Monday, November 12, 2012
Energy Independence
Here are estimates about the future on oil/energy production. It is estimated that by 2020, the U.S. will be the largest oil producer and can become almost energy independent by 2030. The raising prices of oil and new technology is allowing the U.S. to take this road. What are your thoughts on the potentially happening? There are many positives to this, but are there any major negatives that we should consider before making this possible reality?
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The worst thing about this subject is that if the U.S. does become the worlds largest oil producer then they will have less incentive to research sustainable energy. The price of oil is going to rise which hopefully will give some incentive along with the hazards of hydraulic fracking. No matter what happens within the oil industry the U.S. needs to move away from combustible energy sources and towards renewable ones.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a good thing that the U.S gains such control, as it will boost the economy and help the nation as a whole. On the other hand, I agree with Beth. Having this control will decrease the incentive to find better and more efficient sustainable energy. Oil is a natural resource and will eventually run out and if the U.S depends on it, it won't do it any go when that time comes. It is necessary to find renewable energy sources as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteThe the major thing to remember here is that being the largest oil producer will not necessarily mean that we will not be importing oil. Especially over the long run. The major innovation here is the ramp up in production of natural gas. this source, our largest energy resource is what is set to cause "energy independence". You should take notice this is not not dependence from foreign oil. Reading in between the lines you can see that the net output of "energy products" or net energy produced versus used will move into the black.
ReplyDeleteThis to be sure is a great development and welcome in the era when independence from foreign entities ensures security. However as a whole the continued development of these fossil fuels is just going to lead us into an even more heavily carbon polluted environment. Some of the incentives used to reach this goal could be direct towards the same ends with less negative side effects. These new energy sources would also nit be inexhaustible helping to protect against the possibility onus being energy dependent on foreign entities some time in the future.