As oil prices go up and environmental concerns rise to the fore of public consciousness, governments all over the world are worried over the state of fossil fuels. Even before they are depleted, governments, including the United States are looking for alternative sources of fuel in case the fossil fuels finally run out. In addition to this, fossil fuels tend to do the greatest damage to the environment. By looking at alternative fuels, environmental issues will also be addressed.
In the United States, the concern over alternative fuels have been dealt with, debated and brainstormed at the Congress and Senate.Back in the year 2006, the Democrats forwarded a plan to reduce or even totally remove imports of foreign oil. If they had their way, the bill would have reduced oil in consumption in the US by about 12 million barrels a day by 2020 as opposed to the present day consumption of around 20 million barrels a day. This can be made possible by using alternative fuels for vehicles. This would also revoke oil subsidies and redirect them to renewable fuels and citizens who are struggling to pay their energy costs (Janofsky, 2006).
This proposal from the Democrats is in direct opposition to the plan presented by the Republicans, which is to continue further oil explorations by opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and giving incentive to oil companies for building refineries. The Republican policy in dealing with fossil fuels is to decrease demand in the United States and increase supply by looking for alternative sources of oil. That of the Democrats, however, is closer to seeking alternatives to oil (Janofsky, 2006). Sources of Alternative FuelThe United States consumes about 25% of the world’s oil supply.
Yet, it only possesses 3% of the world’s oil supply. The intention of Democrats is simple enough—reduce dependency on foreign oil while decreasing the prices of fuels across the nation. Alternative sources of fuel may come from biodiesel, made of soybeans that can be mixed with diesel. In addition to this, natural gas and wind power are also alternative sources being considered.
Ethanol, which can be derived from sugar is also another source of energy being considered (Bailey, 2005).Based on the Energy Dependence Bill filed by Democrats in 2006, their stand on alternative fuels can be readily recognized. Energy independence is their overriding goal. This goal can be accomplished by promoting the use of alternative fuels and fuel efficient vehicles.
On the part of consumers, this may mean using passenger rail, mass transit and bicycles more often. Part of the strategy of Democrats in dealing with alternative fuels is the establishment of a National Energy Security Commission that can help plan and recommend solutions for alternative fuels.In addition to this, they also plan to create a Center for High Efficiency Vehicles that can aid manufacturers in making vehicles more fuel efficient. The Democrats also want to create a National Biofuels Infrastructure Development Program that would stimulate invention and innovation for alternative fuels. This will also help stimulate investment for the development and distribution of alternative fuels.
The Democrat plan also calls for the increased use of transit and rail for public transportation.Although this will result to changes in the lifestyles of Americans, the use of public transportation can help reduce the demand for oil. Lastly, the Democrats want the Federal Government to take the lead in using alternative fuels. As such, this would mean that the use of oil by the military and other government agencies would have to be reduced, too (Committee on Energy and Commerce, 2006). Pros and Cons of the Democrats’ Stand on Alternative Fuels The energy situation in the United States is really serious.Even automobile manufacturers are being greatly affected by the oil problem.
If this will not be mitigated soon, then the whole economy will be affected. The plan of the Democrats in dealing with oil problem is sound. Alternative sources of fuel have to be found in order to lower the dependence of the country on foreign oil. The plan of the Democrats addresses the issue of oil as a serious issue for national security.
They are also pointing out the implications of the oil issue on the international relations and overall politics of the US in relation to the rest of the world.The plan also takes a systemic look at the issue of alternative fuels and seeks to involve the private sector as much as the government. The issue of fuels cannot be dealt with by the government alone. Private investors, inventors and even individual end users should be involved in this effort. The education of the public about the use of mass transit will likely be difficult but it can be arranged and if it succeeds, the plan to use alternative fuels will become more widespread in the US.
On the other hand, the plan of the Democrats may be difficult to implement because of the big reliance of the US on fossil fuels.The Democrats have not come up with a workable transition from this dependence into independence. The plan is also likely to be detrimental to the operations of industries relying heavily on fossil fuels. If the plan pushes through, manufacturers and other industries will have to spend for equipment that will enable them to use these alternative fuels in their plants and in their operations.
The process will also take a long time because of the transition and other processes that consumers will have to do.This transition will also cost a lot for both the government and the private sectors affected. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA website, 2008) is highlighting the environmental impact of using too much fossil fuels. Because of this, the EPA is supportive of any bill and plan that would not only reduce the dependence on oil but also in the protection of the environment. The politics of the issue, however, is far from being peaceful and harmonious. As the presidential election of the United States draws nearer, even the candidates are being pressed for their stand on alternative fuels.
This is also a high stakes political game because the fate of big oil industries hangs on the balance. Any change on the dependence on oil will be detrimental to a number of big businesses. As such, this issue will be contentious and will likely generate heat and conflict between and among the supporters of the plan. If people will just put the concerns of the country before partisan politics and individual gain, then the politics could perhaps become geared more toward the best policy on oil and alternative fuels.
