Energy Conservation: An Exploration of alternative Energy Source
Shadrian Paschal
HUM 114
4/24/2014
Professor Aisha Simmons
Energy Conservation: An Exploration of alternative Energy Source

Many people are debating how to best meet energy needs in the United States. Some argue that the country must decrease its dependence on oil and invest in alternative sources of energy, such as wind and solar power. Others argue that changing to new power sources is unnecessary and expensive. They state that the United States should search for oil in Alaska, the Gulf Coast, and other currently unexplored areas in the country. During the 2012 State of the Union address, the President stated “the country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy. A strategy that’s cleaner, cheaper and full of new jobs.” (“Remarks by the President in the State of the Union Address) I am in full support of his opinion and I believe that politicians and scientist need to invest more time into proposing cleaner and cheaper energy sources through renewable energy. This will not only prevent further pollution of our earth but such energy transmission has potential to strengthen the US economy. Solar energy is the harvesting of the sun’s energy to make it useable. Unlike oil drilling this system creates no direct effect on the ecosystem. Many argue that solar energy may not work at night without a battery. However if grants are held in place to improve such concerns, I believe that scientist can propose an opposing method to make it more reliable. Wind energy is all natural and comes from air. It does not cause air nor water pollution and once a turbine is erect, there is no operational costs because air is free. Some may argue that if the wind doesn’t blow no electricity is generated. However, companies such as Beacon Power Corporation continue to work on operations such as flywheels that can withdraw electricity when winds die. ("Wind Power Information, Wind Power Facts - National Geographic.")
The U.S Energy Information administration reports that the United States consumed 6.89 billion barrels of petroleum products