Week #2, Item #2 Energy Security & "The Dirty Energy Dilemma"

The exerpt from "The Dirty Energy Dilemma" by Benjamin K. Savacool provides us with some excellent reason as to why we need renewable, sustainable and clean energy sources. Savacool also gives us a reasonable explaination as to why the United States has failed to become a world leader in clean energy production.

The security of the United States relies heavily on the nation's vulnerabilities. If we were to use clean, renewable sources of energy that were stable, and not viewed as potential targets for terrorism the nation would be safer than we are now. McCain's plans for energy independence and security include off-shore drilling and nuclear energy. Neither of these are safe or cost effective methods of providing the country with energy.

Savacool makes the point that as a nation we have the technology to employ environmentally friendly, safer and cheaper forms of energy, but that due to organizational conservatism - largely based on our current administration we are unable to implement the changes necessary to modernize ourselves in the world energy market.

In regard to the energy crisis, it is apparent that the current administration has not attempted to change the country's situation. Based on McCain's solutions to the energy crisis it appears unlikely that McCain has any intention of altering the staus quo.