Nonrenewable energy sources such as oil, natural gas, and coal harshly pollute the air that humans breathe in. They dominate energy usage over renewable energy sources. These nonrenewable sources are also limited, and are expected to run out in the near future. Another drawback to using these sources is that they are not readily accessible. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power provide numerous benefits. Firstly, they are conveniently and easily tapped. They do not pollute the atmosphere, and, most importantly, are non-perishable and everlasting. Clearly, not enough areas utilize the many benefits of renewable energy sources.
This new regulation is expected to not only clean the air, but also bring more wind and solar energy facilities to California and create more jobs. Other states should realize that the job opportunities are a huge benefit to any economy. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger supports this new green initiative and believes it will lead California away from being “so dependent on the volatile prices and harmful emissions of dirty oil and coal.” When the regulation is fully in place, it will remove about 12 to 13 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, in addition to removing other pollutants. California also has a greenhouse gas reduction law, which requires the state to reduce emissions until they are back to 1990 levels, and this new renewable energy regulation will help achieve that goal as well. California is looking forward to enjoying many environmental benefits from this plan. A similar policy implemented in Germany has been met with indisputable success.
This pioneering step that California is taking is long overdue. Although I think tighter restrictions on credits for energy from renewable resources would greater improve air quality and environmental health, California is making more progress than other states and is setting the example. Renewable energy is not currently in widespread use, and it should be. The monetary price of fossil fuels compared to that of creating solar power may presently be lower because research on how to more economically and environmentally harness renewable energy sources still needs to be done. However, the environmental benefits of solar and wind power is significantly higher than current costs, and this energy will eventually have to be used when nonrenewable energy sources run out. Renewable energy can be harnessed now and will greatly improve air quality. Implementing regulations such as the one put in place by California is a necessary step in moving away from nonrenewable energy sources and moving towards a cleaner and healthier planet.
I agree renewable resources are the way to go. There is no doubt that our way of life has taxed our resources and caused tremendous damage to our environment. However, I am worried about the length to which we promote these new resources. Although bio fuels are a wonderful alternative to coal, there is no doubt we need to take a step back and reconsider.
ReplyDeleteBiofuels take away from our food supply and cause deforestation when people try to grow more crops for energy purposes. Using it as an alternative to non renewables is a step in the right direction but I fear we are putting too much emphasis on this source. We should be, like you have stated in your blog, praising wind and solar energy. It is important to remember that most of our actions have consequences and renewable resources are no different, we need to examine them closely. Do you think there are other renewable resources out there that have hidden consequences?