| The current oil spill off the coast of Louisiana is causing | | | | energy. This policy has led to an extreme increase in |
| some American citizens to question the longevity and | | | | energy infrastructure and the creation of many jobs. |
| environmental impact of oil. Renewable energy | | | | The country energy policies are still controlled by |
| companies should take advantage of the situation and | | | | lobbying and political pull of fossil fuel giants (Chevron, |
| persuade Congress to make energy a top priority. | | | | Shell, and more). This money has successfully distorted |
| Renewable energy, including photovoltaic, wind, and | | | | public opinion about the economic, environmental, and |
| geothermal provide 15 percent of Germany and | | | | social implementation. By distorting solar, wind, and |
| Denmark energy requirements. In those counties, utility | | | | geothermal energy, the fossil fuel giants have been |
| companies are required to purchase renewable | | | | able to make record profits and receive federal |
| energy at a set rate. The rate is set once and | | | | subsidies. |
| guaranteed for a predetermined number of years. | | | | Many countries laugh at our outdated energy policy. |
| This gives renewable energy viability. The current | | | | They are discouraged not only because American |
| political and economic climate makes energy prices | | | | citizens use 25% of world energy, but because the |
| extremely unstable. With a set rate for energy, | | | | United States holds 4.5% of the population. |
| companies can get financing to install renewable | | | | |