Download Energy Policy

NFHS Policy Debate Study Report and Topic Proposal: Energy / Environment
Submitted By
Larry McCarty
Introduction
US energy policy review reveals US doesn’t have an energy policy US oil and gas production
have boomed, but the country still lacks a coherent energy strategy, according to an International
Energy Agency review.1 Historically, the United States has embraced a proactive approach to energy
issues. From the 1970’s “energy crisis” that resulted from an embargo on imports of oil to dramatic
fluctuations of productions levels of the 1980s to the steadily increasing concerns regarding climate
change during the late 1990s and beyond, the role of the federal government has been consistently
inconsistent.
Americans typically consume energy for one of two purposes; electricity generation and
transportation. Although data and statistics tend to vary somewhat, energy consumption is relatively
equal in terms of the two. With respect to both of these areas, fossil fuels have historically accounted
for a majority of both production and use. Significantly, the transportation sector continues to be
almost completely dependent on petroleum, mostly gasoline.2 Although development of renewable
energy resources has occurred over the past two decades, most of this development has been in the
area of electricity generation while fossil fuels continue to serve as the mainstay of transportation.
Even in situations involving transportation shifts from traditional fossil fuel vehicles, the alternative is
generally some form of electricity-powered venue with no assurances that the original source of the
electricity is fossil fuel or renewable. In short, expedience and, to a lesser degree, economics, tends
to influence energy policy more than the environment. Yet, unfortunately, blasting air conditioners,
revving gas guzzlers and pumping oil, Americans have long attracted censure for their wasteful ways.
After all, they produce a disproportionately large share—15 %—of global carbon dioxide emissions.3
In addition to the vast amount of energy consumed within our borders, there is a corresponding
contribution to the world’s CO2 emissions as well. The United States, with 4% of the world's
population, produced about 17% of global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels in 2011,
the most recent year for which global data are available. The United States accounts for this share
primarily because the U.S. economy is the largest in the world and meets 83% of its energy needs by
burning fossil fuels.4
Today’s energy policy in the United States is once again problematic and characterized by
elements of uncertainty. In recent years, with increased domestic production of both oil and natural
gas, resulting from development of shale reserves, the energy sector has claimed an increasingly
greater part of the nation’s economy. Predicting the future is always dicey, and predicting the energy
future has been more often wrong than right.5 As prices fluctuate however, the ripple effect is felt
throughout the economy, from Wall Street to Main Street. How will the government respond? As in
the past, we will rely on a mix of regulation and markets, and we will not adopt a comprehensive
energy policy aimed at coordinating energy industries.6 Making the situation even more problematic is
the fact that, as was the case on several past occasions, the United States is at the mercy of the
policies of other nations and various international organizations. Unfortunately, the international
petroleum industry is characterized by a myriad of groups, many of which operate with differing sets
of objectives. The fact that U.S. political leaders frequently express the need for the nation’s energy
independence reflects both the interest and necessity of such policies. In reality, however, markets
and economic factors tend to influence decisions made within the boardrooms of energy-related
industry much more often than government policy and objectives. A comprehensive national energy
policy makes sense both environmentally as well as economically.
2
Problem areas
Policy Fragmentation
Energy policy has been a recurring issue for Congress since the first major crises in the 1970s. 7
In spite of the fact that a host of U.S. political leaders will attempt to address energy concerns during
most Congressional sessions, the corresponding reality is that little is often accomplished. This hold
true particularly in terms policy charting new directions for energy management in the nation. When
policy is enacted or addressed, it is normally in response to some sort of event that has altered
energy supply, production, distribution, demand or availability. Furthermore, energy policy frequently
is a factor of a more broad based economic policy. An issue that cuts across all these factors is the
role of government. How much does and should government policy affect energy markets? A
fundamental dichotomy that lies beneath many individual policy debates, not only in energy issues, is
between those who see government intervention as a positive force, and those who view it at best as
a necessary evil to be restricted as much as possible.8
U.S. energy policy since the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s has been aimed at a long-term goal
with three major dimensions: to assure a secure supply of energy, to keep energy costs low enough
to meet the needs of a growing economy, and to protect the environment while producing and
consuming that energy. A continuing theme during this period has been that dependence on imported
oil for a large share of the U.S. energy mix, particularly in the transportation sector, impedes that aim
in all three dimensions.9
Like the goals of energy policy, the means of achieving them have three dimensions: reducing
consumption by increased energy efficiency; increasing domestic production of conventional energy
sources, particularly oil and natural gas; and developing new sources of energy, particularly
renewable energy and renewable fuels, that can replace oil and other fossil fuels.10 Pursuing the
goals of energy policy has been complicated by the diversity of energy consumption and supply in the
United States. On the consumption side, there are three major sectors: residential/commercial,
industrial, and transportation. On the supply side, the primary sources have traditionally been fossil
energy: petroleum, natural gas (and “natural gas liquids” such as propane and butane), and coal.
Electricity, which is both an energy source and a consumer of energy, has replaced some fossil fuels:
about 75% of the energy consumed by the residential/commercial sector is electricity, and industrial
energy consumption is about 35% electricity. But in the transportation sector, petroleum has
remained dominant. Only in the past few years has corn-derived ethanol become a significant
transportation fuel, replacing around 10% of gasoline consumption.11
On the consumption side, there are three major sectors: residential/commercial, industrial, and
transportation. On the supply side, the primary sources have traditionally been fossil energy:
petroleum, natural gas (and “natural gas liquids” such as propane and butane), and coal. Electricity,
which is both an energy source and a consumer of energy, has replaced some fossil fuels: about 75%
of the energy consumed by the residential/commercial sector is electricity, and industrial energy
consumption is about 35% electricity. But in the transportation sector, petroleum has remained
dominant. Only in the past few years has corn-derived ethanol become a significant transportation
fuel, replacing around 10% of gasoline consumption.
3
If the US is to emerge as a global energy superpower in the coming decade, shouldn’t it make
sure it has its own house in order first? “Developments in the US energy sector have bolstered the
country's energy security, sustainability, and economic competitiveness – but challenges remain,” IEA
Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven said Thursday at an event with US Energy Secretary Ernest
Moniz. A chief obstacle in US energy policy a lack of clarity, the report says. 12
Reliance on Fossil Fuels
In addition to policy fragmentation, another fundamental facet of U.S. energy policy is that, in
spite of decades of attempts at addressing a host of concerns ranging from supply interruptions to
environmental issues, the nation still relies heavily on fossil fuels. The historical trends show
petroleum as the major source of primary energy, rising from about 38% in 1950 to 45% in 1975, and
then declining to about 40% in response to the energy crises of the 1970s.13 A patchwork quilt of
crosscutting federal and state policies govern oil, gas, coal, and renewables in the US. From the ban
on oil exports, to New York’s ban on fracking, to the long delayed Keystone XL pipeline, energy cuts
across myriad departments and agencies within the government, often with little coordination. “It’s
seen as a very local, economic issue. The resources are in certain places, so that calls in a lot of local
decision making,” says Deborah Gordon, director of the energy and climate program at the Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace. But collectively, Gordon says, it makes sense for the federal
government to oversee issues at a higher level.14
The two basic factors that foster reliance on fossil fuels are two interrelated concepts, economics
and availability of resources. Energy policy in the United States has focused on three major goals:
assuring a secure supply of energy, keeping energy costs low, and protecting the environment. In
pursuit of those goals, government programs have been developed to improve the efficiency with
which energy is utilized, to promote the domestic production of conventional energy sources, and to
develop new energy sources, particularly renewable sources.15 Typically the first two of these goals
receives far more attention, at least currently, than the third. Oil prices, which had been low and
stable throughout the 1990s, resumed the volatility they had shown in the 1970s and early 1980s.
Starting in 2004, perceptions of impending inability of the industry to meet increasing world demand
led to rapid increases in the prices of oil and gasoline. The continuing high prices stimulated
development of nonconventional oil resources, first in Canadian oil sands, then in the United States in
shale deposits.16
U.S. oil production, which had apparently peaked, showed a dramatic increase starting in 2009.
U.S. imports of oil have also been decreasing over the same time period, and there are calls to allow
more exports. Natural gas followed a long-term pattern of U.S. consumption similar to that of oil, at a
lower level. Its share of total energy increased from about 17% in 1950 to more than 30% in 1970,
then declined to about 20%.17 Recent developments of large deposits of shale gas in the United
States have increased the outlook for U.S. natural gas supply and consumption in the near future,
and imports have almost disappeared. The United States is projected to be a net natural gas exporter
by 2018.18
Renewable energy sources (except hydropower) continue to offer more potential than actual
energy production, although fuel ethanol has become a significant factor in transportation fuel. Wind
power has recently grown rapidly, although it still contributes only a small percentage share of total
electricity generation. Conservation and energy efficiency have shown significant gains U.S. Energy:
Overview and Key Statistics Congressional Research Service over the past three decades and offer
potential to relieve some of the dependence on oil imports and to hold down long-term growth in
electric power demand.19 In the past, at least during the 1970s when the fear of a major supply
4
interruption surfaced, political leaders began to express concern regarding U.S. reliance on imported
oil. Once again, policy was influenced by the conditions at hand and the result was long-term in
nature. Implementing these programs has been controversial because of varying importance given to
different aspects of energy policy. For some, dependence on imports of foreign oil, particularly from
the Persian Gulf, is the primary concern; for others, the continued use of fossil fuels, whatever their
origin, is most important.20 Ultimately, in spite of concerted efforts on the part of environmentalists
and the renewable energy sector representatives, reliance on fossil fuels continues. U.S. power
plants used renewable energy sources, including water, wind, biomass wood and waste, geothermal,
and solar, to generate about 13% of the electricity produced in the United States during 2015. 21
Environment Related Issues
As Congress is seemingly unable to provide a meaningful and substantive energy policy,
disagreement among its members regarding environmental concerns is also a factor. The contribution
of burning fossil fuels to global climate change is particularly controversial. Another dichotomy is
between those who see government intervention as a positive force and those who view it as a
necessary evil at best.22 In reality, the relationship between current energy consumption and
environmental impact makes a compelling case for a substantive policy direction shift. Awareness of
climate change is also beginning to spread. Despite the scientific consensus, a 2013 survey by the
Yale PCCC found that only 63 percent of Americans “believe that global warming is happening.” A
second, important question in the survey found that 49 percent of Americans believe global
warming—if it is happening—is caused mostly by human activities and 30 percent believe it is due
mostly to natural causes.23
How does energy use affect the environment? Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun and
warm the planet's surface. Most U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are related to energy production and
consumption. Most of those emissions are carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of fossil fuels. From
1990 to 2014, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in the United States increased on average by
about 0.3% per year.24 What specific kinds of greenhouse gases does the United States emit? The
major greenhouse gases the United States emits as a result of human activity and that are included in
U.S. and international emissions estimates are:




Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
High-global warming potential gases, which are:
 Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
 Perfluocarbons (PFCs)
 Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)25
Furthermore, the connection between energy use and emissions is evident. Of the total amount of
U.S. greenhouse gases emitted in 2014, about 84% were energy related and 92% of those energyrelated gases were CO2 emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels. In 2012 (the latest year
complete country data is available), the United States was the second-largest contributor of energyrelated CO2 emissions, after China, and was followed by India, Russia, Japan, and Germany. 26
5
The electric power and transportation sectors are the two largest sources of energy-related CO2
emissions in the United States, accounting for 38% and 34%, respectively, of total energy-related
CO2 emissions in 2014. Taken together, emissions in the electric power and transportation sectors
increased at an average annual rate of 0.6% between 1990 and 2014. The remaining 28% of energyrelated CO2 emissions are from the direct use of fossil fuels in homes, commercial buildings, and
industry.27 The industrial, commercial, and residential sectors had combined energy-related CO2
emissions of 1.5 billion metric tons in 2014 from the direct consumption of fuels in manufacturing
facilities, farms, office buildings, schools, houses, and apartments. Together, emissions from the
three sectors declined at an average annual rate of 0.2% since 1990. Examined separately over this
time period, the increased emissions from the commercial sector and the residential sector were
offset by the industrial sector, which saw a drop in its emissions because of the decline in energyintensive industries.28
In spite of political rhetoric supportive of renewable development and modest efforts aimed at
promoting such development, use of alternatives continues to lag. The largest share of electricity
generated by renewable sources in 2015 came from hydroelectric power (46%), followed by wind
(35%), biomass wood (8%), solar (5%), biomass waste (3%), and geothermal (3%).29 In 2015, for the
second year in a row, solar, wind, and other nonhydro renewable energy sources combined to
generate more electricity on an annual basis than the amount of electricity generated by
hydropower.30
The history of electricity generation provided by each renewable energy source in the United
States is different. The generation capacity and availability of each resource has evolved over time.





Almost all hydroelectric capacity was built before the mid-1970s, and much of it is located at
dams operated by federal agencies.
Biomass waste is mostly municipal solid waste or gases from landfills that are burned in wasteto-energy power plants.
Most electricity generation from wood biomass occurs at lumber and paper mills. These
facilities use wood waste to provide much of their own steam and electricity needs.
The amount of electricity generated by wind has increased substantially in the past eight years.
This increase is largely attributed to the construction of new wind turbines, which is
encouraged by the availability of federal financial incentives and renewable portfolio standards
(RPS) mandated by state governments.
Solar generation almost tripled from 2013 to 2015. But unlike other sources of renewable
electricity generation, a significant amount of solar generation growth has occurred with smallscale installations, often solar panels located on residential and commercial rooftops that in
2015 totaled 12.1 billion kilowatthours.31
In spite of ambitious efforts on the part of some of the nation’s leaders, little progress is evident
regarding reduction of harmful emissions. Petroleum use accounts for the largest contributor of CO2
emissions from energy consumption in the United States, followed by coal and natural gas. In 2014,
the amount and share of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions from these fuels include:



6
Petroleum accounted for 2.3 billion metric tons (42%)
Coal accounted for 1.7 billion metric tons (32%)
Natural gas accounted for 1.4 billion metric tons (26%)32
Climate change
Clearly one of the more pressing, long-term, issues related to air quality and carbon emissions, is
climate change. There is a scientific consensus that the global climate is changing and that humans,
in part, are causing it.33 Today, both the United States and the global community are at a critical
juncture of making decisions on both energy and environmental concerns. Joint consideration of the
two interrelated issues is both timely and logical. In short, the scientific community has coalesced
around an assessment articulated by the Joint Science Academics Statement: “Earth’s warming in
recent decades has been caused primarily by human activities that have increased the amount of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.”34 Future emissions of CO2 from fossil energy combustion
follow directly from overall trends in energy consumption, coupled with forecasts of the carbon
intensity of the energy mix.35
Yet we cannot speak of energy policy without addressing carbon emissions and an alternative
policy of clean, smart energy. A full transition appears unlikely largely because of how entrenched
traditional energy policy interests have become, not only in U.S. corporate boardrooms, but also on
the lending desks of major financial institutions and in the halls of Congress.36
What must happen, at least regarding U.S. policy, is that a shift in thought away from policy
focused on supply of fossil fuels to a much broader framework must occur. But the importance given
to import dependence varies. For some, import dependence is the primary concern; for others,
particularly those focused on environmental issues, it is a symptom of a general crisis that arises from
indiscriminate consumption of fossil fuels. A particularly controversial aspect of the debate is the
issue of global climate change, because burning fossil fuels produces large amounts of carbon
dioxide, a greenhouse gas.37 Unlike the past, though, we must redesign the regulatory/market mix to
assure more flexible market-based regulations that promote competition, innovation, and
environmental protection; we must promote a diversity of resources while downsizing producers; and
we must diversify our energy portfolios with a greater investment in renewable and non-conventional
energy resources.38
Without energy, there is no economy. Without climate, there is no environment. Without the
economy and environment, there is no material well-being, no civilized society, and no personal or
national security. The overriding problem associated with these realities, of course, is that the world
has long been getting most of the energy its economies need from fossil fuels whose emissions are
imperiling the climate that environment needs.39 Clearly the need for a dual approach to energy and
the environment is warranted at the present time.
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Debate Application
United States energy policy has served as the subject for policy resolutions during each of the
past two decades. While specific details of the topic area have changed, at least marginally, over the
past 25 years, many of the basic facets of the issue remain. This nation is still lacking, at least to
some degree, a meaningful national energy policy and efforts by several presidential administrations,
representing both major political parties, have fallen short of implementation of a broad-based, long
term program. Energy policy, or the lack thereof, is a function of much more than merely partisan
politics but an array of additional conditions as well. The list of such factors includes improved
technology that enables more efficient and effective production of fossil fuels, newly discovered
reserves, international economic factors as well as changes in the nation’s related environmental
policy.
Affirmative teams will have the option of taking either a problem or solution approach to this
subject area. They might opt to identify specific potential threats associated with such factors as
climate change, economic disruption, trade wars and offer cases designed, by implementation of new
energy policy directions, a means of solving one of these problems. A more advantage-based
approach is also an option for the affirmative. Using this approach, the affirmative might simply offer
one of several options for development of renewable or alternative energy reserves. Another option of
this same approach would be to specifically introduce new emissions or climate standards for the
nation forcing development or and a shift to renewable resources.
Negative teams, at the same time, have substantial ground for argumentation. Specifically, any
particular kind of energy not directly advocated by the affirmative is a viable option for the negative to
support. Further, negative teams always have the option of offering conservation as a means of
addressing the nation’s current concerns regarding the environment and energy use. Among the
myriad of potential positions for negative teams is nuclear energy. Depending on resolution wording,
nuclear energy will be a possibility for consideration by either team and, as a potential energy
resource, essentially offers a stand-alone issue well suited for debate. Today, the nation relies on
nuclear energy for essentially 20 percent of our electricity supply but, while this is a relatively
substantial amount, it is not the dominant source of electricity. Furthermore, questions regarding
potential environmental impact, safety, and start-up costs have essentially kept nuclear energy use at
the same level for decades in the United States.
Finally, few topics offers as much opportunity for critical arguments than those with ties to
environmental issues. While there is always the option of posing such claims in debate situations, the
fact that there is disagreement as well as conflicting data (or at least the interpretations of data)
means that ground exists for critical arguments for both affirmative and negative alike.
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Summary
In 2017 a new administration will lead the executive branch and changes in Congressional
leadership will likely shift as well. These political realities, in addition to a myriad of additional issues
support the importance of energy / environment as a potential area for policy debate. Ironically, this is
a potential topic area that offers an appealing blend of both domestic and international issues as well.
Governments elsewhere are more centralized and heavy handed with their energy policies – think
Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the rest of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
These countries own most of their local oil and gas companies, set national levels of production to
influence prices, and, they claim, promote market stability. But the excessive, state controlled policies
of oil mega producers like Russia or Saudi Arabia are not exactly a preferable alternative to the more
fragmented situation in the US. “It’s not very helpful to be a state owned oil enterprise in a global
market,” Ms. Gordon [director of the energy and climate program at the Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace] says. “When things are humming it might look okay, … but in a low market like
this, it crashes.”40
US energy, despite the challenges, is in a relatively good position to take advantage of the low
price market. That might make now the perfect time to take a fresh look at US energy policy – instead
of in the wake of a catastrophe like the Arab oil embargo, the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, or the BP
oil spill. “Energy [policies] have tended to start with some sort of presidential proclamation, either
around a crisis or because a president wants to tackle these things,” Gordon says. “This is the
opposite of crisis. It’s opportunity.”41 The economic rationale for a shift in policy is clearly evident and
likely to remain for the foreseeable future. As oil prices plummet, some question whether the US –
with its piecemeal, disjointed federal energy policy – is ready for a new era of fossil fuel abundance
and renewable energy innovation. The US oil and gas boom benefits the US, but lack of an
overarching policy hamstrings US potential and poses environmental risks, according to a report
released this week by the Paris based International Energy Agency (IEA).42 Low oil prices could
divert attention from renewables, the IEA said, and cheap natural gas could discourage electric
providers from pursuing lower carbon options like nuclear, solar, and wind. Calls for clearer US
energy policy aren’t exactly new – Congress has long lamented a lack of purpose and coordination
throughout the nation’s varied and expansive energy sector. But the issue is gaining new importance
as the US finds itself at the center of a North American energy boom.43
Potential environmental aspects of this proposed policy area are equally compelling. Let’s
assume for the moment that climate change is no threat, still a new, more efficient, more resourceprotective, and more scaled-down energy system makes great sense as we move more rapidly into
the twenty-first century.44 We can say with a high degree of confidence, that we know the following
about the future: (1) climate change must be addressed; (2) fossil fuels will continue to be primary
fuels at least for the midterm; (3) carbon reductions strategies must occur; and (4) new technologies
and new investments in energy and renewable resources are central.45
This proposed topic area offers a high level of potential for debate consideration. Clearly the
ground for affirmative and negative is equally divided. The lack of current policy and potential need is
evident, while current system measures provide formidable negative ground to oppose a change.
Finally, this is a topic that offers a wide range of choices for debaters wishing to take a more critical
approach to the resolution.
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Possible Resolutions
Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially increase incentives for
reduction of CO2 emissions in the United States.
Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially increase incentives for
reduction of fossil fuel use in the United States.
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its commitment to
development of sustainable energy resources in the United States.
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase air quality standards in
the United States.
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially limit oil imports into the United
States.
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase incentives for
development and/or use of renewable energy.
Resolved: The United States should substantially reduce its carbon footprint.
Resolved: The United States federal government should establish a policy substantially reducing the
carbon footprint of the United States.
10
Definitions – alternative
Merriam – Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, Frederick C. Mish, Editor in Chief, Merriam-Webster,
Incorporated, Springfield, Massachusetts, 2000, p. 34.
alternative offering or expressing a choice
The American Heritage College Dictionary, Third Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 2000, p. 40.
alternative the choice between two mutually exclusive possibilities; existing outside traditional or established
institutions or systems
The American Heritage College Dictionary, Second College Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1982,
p. 99.
alternative the choice between two mutually exclusive possibilities
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, fourth edition, Michael Agnes, editor in chief, Macmillan publishing,
New York, p. 41.
alternative providing a choice between two or among more than two things
Webster’s New World Dictionary of American English, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, editor in chief,
Simon and Schuster, New York, 1988, p. 41.
alternative providing or being a choice between two or among more than two things
Encarta World Dictionary, St. Martin’s Press, New York, 1999, p. 50.
alternative outside the establishment or mainstream
Definitions – alternative energy
Encarta World Dictionary, St. Martin’s Press, New York, 1999, p. 50.
alternative energy any form of energy obtained from the sun, wind, waves, or another natural renewable
source, in contrast to energy generated from fossil fuels
www.nrdc.org/reference/glossary/a.asp
11
alternative energy energy that is not popularly used and is usually environmentally sound, such as solar or
wind energy (as opposed to fossil fuels).
www.iagreen.com/glossary.htm
alternative energy Energy from a source other than the conventional fossil-fuel sources of oil, natural gas and
coal (ie, wind, running water, the sun). Also referred to as "alternative fuel."
www.geocities.com/Area51/Labyrinth/2985/diction.html
alternative energy sources of energy that do not depend of fossil fuels. alternative energy comes from nuclear
reactors and renewable energy sources.
www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html
alternative energy Energy derived from nontraditional sources (eg, compressed natural gas, solar,
hydroelectric, wind).
www.mms.gov/offshore/AlternativeEnergy/Definitions.htm
alternative energy Fuel sources that are other than those derived from fossil fuels. Typically used
interchangeably for renewable energy. Examples include: wind, solar, biomass, wave and tidal energy.
www.vpl.ca/bcscienceclusters/glossary.html
alternative energy includes all energy sources and energy technologies that minimize environmental impacts
relative to conventional hydrocarbon resources and technology.
www.dosomething.org/tipsheets/terms_energy_conservation
alternative energy Energy from sources that do not produce harmful emissions. For example, unconventional
power from the sun, wind or running water. ([Click here] to learn more about alternative sources of energy.
www.environment.nelson.com/0176169040/glossary.html
alternative energy Renewable energy sources, such as wind, flowing water, solar energy and biomass, which
create less environmental damage and pollution than fossil fuels, and offer an alternative to nonrenewable
resources.
www.frontdoor.com/news/article/1547
alternative energy Energy from sources other than fossil fuels (coal, natural gas), such as renewable sources
like wind, sun, or running water. Solar panels are a common way to collect the sun's energy.
s220352448.onlinehome.us/2008/04/10/greenspeak-glossary/
12
alternative energy Energy derived from sources that have little or no impact on the environment and produce
no net greenhouse gas emissions in generating electricity. Such sources include wind and solar.
Definitions – energy
Merriam – Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, Frederick C. Mish, Editor in Chief, Merriam-Webster,
Incorporated, Springfield, Massachusetts, 2000, p. 382.
energy usable power; the resources for producing such power
The American Heritage College Dictionary, Third Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 2000, p. 455.
energy usable heat or power; a source of usable power, such as petroleum or coal
The American Heritage College Dictionary, Second College Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1982,
p.453.
energy usable heat or electrical power
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, fourth edition, Michael Agnes, editor in chief, Macmillan publishing,
New York, p. 471.
energy those resources , as petroleum, coal, gas, wind, nuclear fuel, and sunlight from which energy in the
form of electricity, heat, etc. can be produced; the available supply of such usable resources
Webster’s New World Dictionary of American English, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, editor in chief,
Simon and Schuster, New York, 1988, p. 449.
energy those resources, as petroleum, coal, gas, wind, nuclear fuel, and sunlight form which energy in the
form of electricity, heat, etc. can be produced; the available supply of such usable resources
Encarta World Dictionary, St. Martin’s Press, New York, 1999, p. 591.
energy supply or source of electrical, mechanical, or other form of power
13
Definitions – incentive
Merriam – Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, Frederick C. Mish, Editor in Chief, Merriam-Webster,
Incorporated, Springfield, Massachusetts, 2000, p. 586
incentive something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action.
The American Heritage College Dictionary, Third Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 2000, p. 686.
incentive something such as a reward or punishment that induces action or motivates effort; serving to induce
or motivate
The American Heritage College Dictionary, Second College Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1982,
p. 650.
incentive something, as the fear of punishment or the expectation of reward that incites to action or effort.
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, fourth edition, Michael Agnes, editor in chief, Macmillan publishing,
New York, p. 720.
incentive stimulating one to take action, to work harder, etc.; motivating, encouraging
Webster’s New World Dictionary of American English, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, editor in chief,
Simon and Schuster, New York, 1988, p. 682.
incentive something that stimulates one to take action
Encarta World Dictionary, St. Martin’s Press, New York, 1999, p. 909.
incentive something that encourages or motivates somebody to do something.
Definition – Renewable Energy
renewable energy any naturally occurring, theoretically inexhaustible source of energy, as biomass, solar,
wind, tidal, wave, and hydroelectric power, that is not derived from fossil or nuclear fuel.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/renewable-energy
renewables Renewables include a variety of electricity sources—hydroelectric, biomass, wind, geothermal,
solar—as well as biofuels and traditional non-marketed biomass and waste fuels.
14
http://www.eia.gov/
Renewable energy (sources) or RES capture their energy from existing flows of energy, from on-going natural
processes, such as sunshine, wind, flowing water, biological processes, and geothermal heat flows. The most
common definition is that renewable energy is from an energy resource that is replaced rapidly by a natural
process such as power generated from the sun or from the wind. Most renewable forms of energy, other than
geothermal and tidal power, ultimately come from the Sun.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/renewable_energy.htm
renewable energy The most common definition is that renewable energy is from an energy resource that is
replaced by a natural process at a rate that is equal to or faster than the rate at which that resource is being
consumed.
http://www.folkecenter.net/gb/overview/definitions/
Definitions – sustainable energy
sustainable energy any type of energy that can potentially be used well into the future without harming future
generations
http://www.leonardo-energy.org/blog/sustainable-energy-definitions-focus-and-social-dimension
Sustainable energy is a form of energy that meet our today’s demand of energy without putting them in
danger of getting expired or depleted and can be used over and over again. Sustainable energy should be
widely encouraged as it do not cause any harm to the environment and is available widely free of cost.
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/SustainableEnergy.php
Sustainable energy There are three basic demands an energy source must meet to be characterized as
“sustainable:"
 The long-term availability of the energy source that guarantees to meet any present or future
consumption needs.
 The energy source must be replenishable without human intervention.
 The amount of energy consumed to exploit the available resources should not exceed the amount of
energy these resources produce (ie, the energy efficiency of the source).
http://www.brighthub.com/environment/renewable-energy/articles/96796.aspx
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Works Cited
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Cusick, Daniel. "Renewables Boom Expected Thanks to Tax Credit." Climate Wire 21 Dec. 2015: n. pag. Scientific American.
Web.
Dicker, Dan. Shale Boom, Shale Bust: The Myth of Saudi America. Place of Publication Not Identified: Author, 2015. Print.
Gaille, Scott. Shale Energy Development. N.p.: n.p., 2014. Print.
Gilmour, Jared. "US Energy Policy Review Reveals US Doesn't Have an Energy Policy." The Christian Science Monitor. The
Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2014. Web. 18 May 2016.
Gold, Russell. The Boom: How Fracking Ignited the American Energy Revolution and Changed the World. New York: Simon and
Schuster, 2015. Print.
Gold, Russell. Frackistan: The Promise and Peril of America's Energy Revolution. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
Hoffman, Andrew J. How Culture Shapes the Climate Change Debate. Stanford: Stanford Briefs, 2015. Print.
Kalicki, Jan H., and David L. Goldwyn. Energy and Security: Strategies for a World in Transition. Washington: Woodrow Wilson
Center, 2013. Print.
Klein, Naomi. This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2014. Print.
Mann, Michael E., and Lee R. Kump. Dire Predictions, 2nd Edition: Understanding Climate Change. New York.: Dorling
Kindersley, 2015. Print.
"The President Calls for a Greener America." Economist 3 Aug. 2015: n. pag. Web.
"President Obama's Plan to Fight Climate Change." N.p., n.d. Web.
Ratner, Michael, and Carol Glover. U.S. Energy: Overview and Key Statistics. Rep. Congressional Research Service, 27 June
2014. Web.
Rep. Congressional Research Service, n.d. Web.
Steven, David. The New Politics of Strategic Resources: Energy and Food Security Challenges in the 21st Century. Washington:
Brookings INstitute, 2015. Print.
Tomain, Joseph P. Ending Dirty Energy Policy: Prelude to Climate Change. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2011. Print.
"U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis." N.p., 20 Jan. 2016. Web.
Wagner, Gernot, and Martin L. Weitzman. Climate Shock: The Economic Consequences of a Hotter Planet. Princeton: Princeton
UP, 2015. Print.
Yacobucci, Brent. Energy Policy: 114th Congress Issues. Rep. Congressional Research Service, 5 Jan. 2015. Web.
Yergin, Daniel. The Quest: Energy, Security and the Remaking of the Modern World. New York: Penguin, 2012. Print.
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1
(Gilmour, 2014)
(Ratner & Glover, 2014)
3
(The president calls for a greener America, 2015)
4
(What are the greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?, 2016)
5
(Tomain, 2011)
6
(Tomain, 2011)
7
(Ratner & Glover, 2014)
8
(Yacobucci, 2015)
9
(Yacobucci, 2015)
10
(Yacobucci, 2015)
11
(Yacobucci, 2015)
12
(Gilmour, 2014)
13
(Ratner & Glover, 2014)
14
(Gilmour, 2014)
15
(Yacobucci, 2015)
16
(Ratner & Glover, 2014)
17
(Ratner & Glover, 2014)
18
(Ratner & Glover, 2014)
19
(Ratner & Glover, 2014)
20
(Yacobucci, 2015)
21
( How much U.S. electricity is generated from renewable energy?, 2015)
22
(Yacobucci, 2015)
23
(Hoffman, 2015)
24
(What are the greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?, 2016)
25
(What are the greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?, 2016)
26
(What are the greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?, 2016)
27
(What are the greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?, 2016)
28
(What are the greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?, 2016)
29
( How much U.S. electricity is generated from renewable energy?, 2015)
30
( How much U.S. electricity is generated from renewable energy?, 2015)
31
( How much U.S. electricity is generated from renewable energy?, 2015)
32
(What are the greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?, 2016)
33
(Hoffman, 2015)
34
(Hoffman, 2015)
35
(Iiler, 2013)
36
(Tomain, 2011)
37
(Yacobucci, 2015)
38
(Tomain, 2011)
39
(Tomain, 2011)
40
(Gilmour, 2014)
41
(Gilmour, 2014)
42
(Gilmour, 2014)
43
(Gilmour, 2014)
44
(Tomain, 2011)
45
(Tomain, 2011)
2
17