Monday, October 13, 2008

Theory Post
at 7:04 PM Posted by Kevin

Renewable fuels and our dependence on nonrenewable resources impacts the lives of Americans in many facets. Increased greenhouse gas emissions from coal, oil, and natural gas press the need to advance cleaner, more sustainable fuel resources. Economically, the high price for gas strains the majority of American citizens. It is well-known that America needs to act in ways to advance renewable fuels. There is a large disagreement in America about how we should go about to advance renewable fuels; it is a fueled, contentious debate. In America, there are two clear sides, which the two presidential candidates have taken. 


The outcome of the looming election will impact how America deals with the issue hugely. Candidates Obama and McCain have two vastly dissimilar plans on attacking the issue. Obama plans to divert Americans away entirely from foreign oil in 10 years with a $15 billion investment annually.He also will make sure 10% of our energy is renewable in 2012 and 25% in 2025.  McCain says he also wants to invest in renewable sources, however, he does not detail monetarily how he will do so. McCain wants to eradicate the moratorium on offshore drilling to allow individual states to decide on the issue. The republican nominee will give $300 million dollar to the person who perfects the plug in hybrid. He will give $5,000 tax credit to those who buy a zero emission car. Obama will give a $7,000 tax credit and will give $4 billion in loans and tax credits to car companies so they can develop more environmentally friendly vehicles. 

I believe that we, as Americans, being the leaders in the world have the ability and responsibility to create or advance in environmentally friendly and pocket friendly fuels. We cannot rely on "prize money" like McCain believes to solve one of the most dire issues we face. Investing actual money in renewable resources is the only way we can perfect and use them. We need to strongly attack large companies and corporations that release greenhouse gas emissions. Giving tax breaks to Americans that produce less greenhouse gas emissions will also be helpful. Also, we need to treat this as a global issue and talk with other nations to arrive at ways to advance new fuel source while lessening those deemed obsolete. This issue is hard to solve, but it is not impossible. 

3 comments:

  1. October 13, 2008 at 8:26 PM  
    Tommy said...

    Kevin,

    This is a nicely written post, but how will America be able to implement either candidate's policies without some sort of compromise? Also, what do you think sparked the debate between the two major political parties in Congress?

    Tommy

  1. October 13, 2008 at 10:59 PM  
    Caitlin said...

    Tommy,
    I agree that we cannot "buy" new technology to solve this energy crisis. Haven't scientist been working on perfecting the hybrid car, and it hasn't happened yet, so what makes McCain think it's magically going to happen when he offers money? Obama has a good plan but where is he planning on receiving oil from if it is not foreign, and how is he planning to make energy renewable? Candidates can say they will do something but it's kind of hard to achieve it without a plan. Offshore drilling is one option for receiving more oil but won't that harm the environment. I know that many ideas are being developed to help solve the energy crisis but I'm guessing they just haven't been completed yet. Whatever the case, Americans cannot continue to pay the rising gas prices and using more and more nonrenewable resources, so it's time to really get down to business and put new ideas into action.

  1. October 13, 2008 at 11:25 PM  
    Kevin said...

    Tommy,
    I don't think their has to be a compromise between McCain and Obama's policies. Bluntly, I think Obama's are better.

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