...paying high prices for gas? Are you tried of America relying on foreign oil to fuel our automobiles? In the last week, I have heard more and more friends, neighbors and co-workers complain that we need to finally get serious about pushing alternative-fueled vehicles. The only way this can happen is if we start now. I propose that us as Americans start investing in our own separation of foreign oil dependency. Case in point; the hybrid car is one which typically uses more than one source of power. Hybrids use an electrical motor to run the car and a gasoline engine to charge the batteries which power the electrical motor. The gasoline engine is also used to give the car extra power when needed. Hybrids get about twice the mileage of regular gas driven cars. Whereas the average gas fueled car gets about 20 mpg, the hybrid gets about 40mpg. Experts predict that hybrids could make up 30 to 35 percent of America auto market by 2015. However, if every body in America went out today and traded their regular gas driven cars in for hybrids, we could cut America’s foreign oil dependency in half. Another alternative to America’s dependency to foreign oil is Ethanol Fuel. The problem with this is, us as Americans need to demand it. We can’t set back and wait for the government to make it available for us years down the line. We must demand it now. Ethanol is a liquid fuel made from vegetable type sources instead of from oil. Sources for ethanol include corn, wheat, barley, trees and grasses...
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...argued that our nation is dependent upon oil from terrorists and that the money is even used to fund Iran’s nuclear program (Freeman 3). Becoming a nation that is energy independent could help de-fund terrorist organizations and significantly bring down the cost of gasoline. David Freeman writes, “The good news is that the technology is commercially available today to convert the superabundance of renewable energy into electricity and other usable forms to power our high-energy lives” (103). Oil is the major fuel source in the United States and a large amount of oil is hidden under the ocean floors (Woodside 5). Many energy experts and environmentalists question whether it is cost effective to drill miles beneath the ocean floor as well as the effects it might have on the atmosphere (5-6). Another option for America’s transition to oil independence is reverting back to the original diesel engine, invented in 1900 (62). Woodside writes, “Peanut oil and any vegetable oil can be refined to run automobile engines or furnaces” (62). With so many other alternatives to traditional oil, it’s a wonder why America isn’t working harder to become energy independent in regards to oil and to lower the cost of gasoline in such a poor economy. Statement of Problem Oil is needed for the everyday needs of nearly every American as well as important missions carried out by our armed services (Hakes 2). If the claims are true that money spent on foreign oil does support terrorism and nuclear programs...
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...This is not difficult to find differing opinions on this subject. According to Paul Roberts, a conversion to renewable energy sources is not realistic. “In truth, much of the fault lies in the new energy technologies themselves, which simply cannot yet compete effectively with fossil fuels.” (Roberts, 2004, Para 19) However, the era of cheap oil is almost certainly at the end with the price of a barrel of oil going for 80.20 to 104.08 on the Stock Market. The price of oil continues to climb quickly and relentlessly. Global oil production will be soon hit a ceiling and drop, even as the demand continues to rise. The result will be an extremely large energy cost, political instability, and an uncertain energy future. The fact is many countries with the largest oil fields build in decade old and had in bad condition. Another fact is that fossil fuel use causes global warning. Scientists haves gathered an unassailable amount of evidence to conclude the warming of the planet had caused mainly by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuel. When many people use gas in a car the result is major amount pollution. When use hydrogen, the only product is water vapor. “Hydrogen can produce from diverse domestic resources, with the potential for near-zero greenhouse gas emissions.” (U.S Department of Energy, 2011) “Natural gas had been produced both worldwide and domestically at relatively low cost and is cleaner burning than gasoline or diesel fuel. Natural gas vehicles show an average...
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...The Effects of Alternative & Renewable Energy The Effects of Alternative & Renewable Energy The United States has massive dependency fossil fuels. Based on the US Department of Energy 2010 information, an incredible eighty five percent of the U.S total energy needs are directly related to the use of fossil fuels and seventy percent used for transportation needs. As stated by Lefton, R. & Weiss, D.J. the U.S accounts for three percent of the world’s population, however the U.S gulps down twenty three percent of the world’s oil. To satisfy its thirsty needs the U.S imports fifty seven percent of its oil needs. Fossil fuels come in three different forms, coal, oil and natural gas. This is a result of fossil remains of prehistoric plants and animals that have been in place for millions of years and trapped in sediments and rocks well below the earth surf. The leading exporting of crude oil are Canada, Mexico, ……..(Name top 5) Alternative/renewable energy are common “water cooler” conservation at work and dinner parties, they were also major discussions about alternative/renewable during the last presidential race. As we go about our everyday lives we constantly hear about the subject, from the evening news and our local to national print media. The increased use of alternative/renewable energy can ease the dependency on foreign oil from unstable counties and improve national security. Alternative/renewable would play a key in our efforts to also aid in reversing...
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...will lose our positions as a world power. One of the main power underlies all of the United States’ challenges would be dependence on foreign oil. If the United States can dramatically reduce its oils dependence, the direct effect would be less exposure to the Middle Eastern turmoil, dampened competitive pressures in Asia and significantly reduce funds flowing to terrorist activities. The only solution to our current economic crisis is a radical shift to alternative-energy development. Investment in the alternative-energy industry would immediately create domestic jobs in the United States’ hardest hit industries, such as construction and manufacturing, green investments can create up to four times as many domestic jobs per dollar invested those traditional fossil-fuel investments. In addition to creating jobs, alternative-energy development will reduce utility bills in American households, freeing up income for consumer spending. Further, if the United States eliminates its foreign oil consumption, oil import money will stay in the United States and provide a huge economic stimulus –easily over $100 billion annually. Over the past two years, the money the United States spent to import oil could have generated $7 trillion in economic activity if it were spent domestically. The United States needs to shift oil import spending to alternative energy investing that will “immediately stimulate the economy, move the country along the road toward economic recovery,...
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...Adding Alternative Fuel Vehicles to Lotus Rental Car In an effort to bring down the gasoline cost for his fleet, Lotus Car's Chief Financial Officer is looking at the possibility of adding alternative fuel vehicles to its fleet. To make a sound decision, she decided to hire a consultant firm that would review and determine if implementing the addition of alternative vehicles would benefit the company. By performing thorough research, the consultants will first perform a comparison between gas vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles. The consultant will then determine the advantages and disadvantages of adding alternative vehicles to Lotus Rental Car Company. Before the decision is made to add alternative-fuel vehicles to the Lotus fleet, we need to determine if AFVs truly are a feasible option. We must first acquire an understanding of alternative-fuel vehicles. As discovered in our research, there are currently a wide variety of alternative-fuel vehicles being used today. Alternative-fuel vehicles can operate on fuels other than gasoline or diesel. They come in a variety of forms, from commuter cars to large 18-wheelers. Using alternative fuels helps reduce our nation's dependence on imported oil and improves air quality. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) defines alternative fuels as electricity, ethanol, natural gas, propane, methanol, hydrogen, and biodiesel (U.S. Department of Energy, What is the Energy Policy Act of 1992, para. 2). Gas prices all over the world have...
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...the 2010 Corruption * Country’s current account surplus reached $72.6bn in 2010, which is an increase of around 47% compared to the previous year. * The new liberal immigration laws brought in many foreign workers, especially from the EU region; indeed, it was reported that the total number of foreign-born individuals who had entered Russia had risen to 14.5 million as of the end of 2008. Immigration laws play a vital role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and, in Russia's case, they are presently adding to its strengths. * GDP Contribution by sector: Agriculture | 4.2% | Industry | 33.8% | Services | 62.0% | Russia has maintained a surplus position since 2000. Improved competitiveness and higher oil prices facilitated a dramatic turnaround in terms of current account, from a deficit of around 0.5% of GDP in 1998 to a surplus of 12% of GDP in 1999. This surplus increased further during 2000 to 18% of GDP. This marked improvement in fortunes facilitated the stabilization of the ruble in international markets. Although export growth remained strong, a bounce back in import demand eroded the current account surplus to 8.5% of GDP in 2002 and 8.2% in 2003. However, increasing oil prices (which rose to more than $30 per barrel for Russian oil) in 2004 saw the current account surplus widen to more than 10% of GDP. Accelerated...
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...Emily Jesulaitis POL201a Seminar Six Essay Test Dr. Jane Bryant Baker College Domestic policy has always been a part of public debates in our nation. These policies range from simple laws such as what should be the speed limit, to complex ones involving how to protect the environment or how to regulate healthcare. There are several types of domestic policies. There are regulatory policies that seek to explain what is legal and what is not legal. Promotional policy seeks to raise or discourage many economic or social activities through tax breaks. There is a redistributive policy that transfers income from certain individuals or groups to others; this is grounded on the certainty that these transfers will develop fairness. All in all these policies are created in response to public demand for government action. (Bardes, Shelley, and Schmidt. Page 449) In 2010, about 49 million Americans did not have health insurance. This was partly due to many small businesses not providing health care through work. Health care insurance has high costs and many could simply not afford it. The Affordable Care Act of 2009 was put in form to give people health care that needs security in case of a sudden illness or to get medications. The matters Congress sought to address in this law were the rising healthcare costs for individuals and businesses, the inability of individuals to obtain affordable, quality coverage, a broken healthcare delivery system and abuses by the insurance industry...
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...progress significantly towards a more independent energy system. The most imperative of these innovations include a decrease in the amount of oil imported from foreign oil exporters and an increase of domestic shale oil discoveries throughout America. As technology continuously modernizes, the efficiency of American shale oil extractions increase. America is hypothesized to have the ability to supply all its own energy by 2030. If America continues to reduce their petrochemical consumption and reliance on foreign oil, this energy independent milestone will be an approaching, feasible possibility. In this presentation, I will illustrate the constant momentum toward energy independence and how achieving autonomy introduces a surplus of economical possibility that has neglected to exist in previous American history. Rationale The Unites States, along with every other country, would benefit from being as energy independent as possible from foreign oil exporters. Currently, the United States reliance on OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Counties) causes them to be highly susceptible to disturbances in these counties oil industry. Energy independence would result in economical stability and security, while diminishing the uncertainty that lies in the dependence of major oil exporters. There exist an on average increase of petroleum oil prices...
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...Essay 1 Energy Independence 9/28/2011 Persuasive Writing Charles Mountin Thesis Statement America needs to achieve energy independence and reduce its dependence on foreign oil. Abstract The United States need to lower its dependence on foreign oil. The U.S. dependence on foreign oil has created a huge trade deficit that puts billions of U.S. dollars into the hands of countries that are not U.S. allies. This dependence also could lead to an economic downturn if there is another spike in oil prices. The U.S. needs to find alternatives to foreign oil that are environmentally sound and U.S. made to achieve energy independence. America needs to find new energy sources and better energy conservation to meet its future energy needs. As of now America is far too dependent on foreign oil for its main energy source. Many experts say that the world is at peak output for oil right now and will be decreasing into the future. Right now the world has about 6.7 billion people, but by 2050 the estimate for world population is more than 9 billion people. That means we need a lot more oil than we now produce and our production capacity is already almost at its peak. If are still powering our cars, factories, and homes with oil when oil starts to run out we will be in a lot of trouble. In 2008 when oil supplies were near capacity the price of gas shot up to over $4.00 a gallon and I could barely keep up with my bills because of the extra money spent on gas. The price spike also...
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...An Approach to Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rentals As one of the leading car rental companies, Lotus car rental is in a position to take advantage of a great opportunity. This is an opportunity to be one of the first car rental companies to provide our consumers with alternative options to fuel-powered vehicles, and to rise above the competition. Adding alternative fuel vehicles to our car rental fleet will increase our car rental turnover and improve the company's image to consumers. In this presentation, we will demonstrate that adding alternative fuel vehicles to our fleet of rental cars will reap tremendous rewards. This presentation will provide you with the advantages of providing alternative fuel vehicles and a cost benefit analysis. At the end of this presentation, you will see that alternative fuel vehicles will not only lower operating costs, but will also provide a new perspective on marketing campaigns and will set us apart from our competition. With the rising cost of gas prices continuing to increase on a daily basis, renting a car is fast becoming a greater expense to business travelers and family vacations. Driving cross-country for the summer with the entire family is quickly becoming a thing of the past due to the expense. Business travelers and families can no longer afford to rent larger vehicles. Their only option is to settle for a smaller car or pay at the pump. At current gas prices, a 3,500- mile adventure would cost the consumer $7,140.00 in gas in...
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...results of polluting the environment. The ongoing destruction of nature is a subject of great concern. One of the types of pollution regarded as responsible for global costs rising is air pollution. The supplies of petroleum across the world are limited. As petroleum supplies start to decrease, it will also become tougher to get what remains. Alternate fuel automobiles are the trend of our future, because now a days gasoline prices are at an all-time high. The United States' dependency on foreign oil is also at an extremely high level. Hybrid Electrical Vehicles (HEV) operate from a mix of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A few advantages of hybrid electric automobiles are better gas mileage, eco friendly and less depending on foreign oil. HEVs can go 40-70 miles for each gallon of gas. HEV allows the driver to travel much longer without needing to fill up the automobile with gas, which also permits savings on gas. This will assist decrease the country’s reliance on foreign oil. This is an advantage because it encourages self sufficiency for the nation. It can also save money in the overall budget for the country. HEVs assist the atmosphere by not liberating as much toxin filled exhaust into the air. Each day we notice how the auto producers are coming with various kinds of hybrid cars as creative types of fuel. Toyota has 3 models including the Camry, Highlander as well as the pioneer Prius. Honda has the hybrid Civic, the Insight and the Accord. Alternate...
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...How can we reduce our dependence on foreign oils? In today’s society, we have become very dependent on foreign oil in order to fuel our transportation, hobbies, and even everyday chores. If you think about it, we use foreign oil for any type of machine that burns fuel. Should we begin looking for a more reliable and safer energy source? This is certainly a topic that will affect every American today, because of the simple reason that we are all ran by foreign oil. How would we survive if one day, our oil supply had run out? The outcome would be catastrophic, until we somehow learned to survive with an alternate fuel supply. Natural gas is a great alternative to reducing out dependence on foreign oils, and not as harmful to our environment. In finding a better fuel source to power technology today, are we ready for such a drastic change? If we switched to natural gas and became less dependent, how would that affect our foreign relations with the rest of the world? What type of negative effects would it have on our economy? This world runs on fossil fuel and maybe we should start thinking if we are really ready to evolve. This topic makes it argumentative because it is one of today’s biggest topics. Our society has grown and our fuel source is obviously not abundant anymore, gas prices have risen and our environment is paying the toll for our negligence. It would also be supported in a researched argumentative...
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...July, 2012 Oil and Gas Throughout the history of America, many controversial subjects are discussed. The oil and gas industry has become an important part of every person’s day. Whether it’s lighting, driving, or cooking, oil and gas has become a conglomerate in big business. Known as one of the most profitable industries in the market today, stocks fluctuate on a daily basis. The history, current leaders, and financial statistics of the industry all play factors in how the business operates. The history of oil and gas plays a factor in today’s society. Petroleum has always had great demand around the country. By the twentieth century, petroleum lead the world in the product for trade market. Countries such as America, Canada, and Russia began to establish oil fields in the early 1900’s and by mid century, these countries produced up to 3,500 tons of petroleum. The first modernized oil refinery was built in Poland. This oil refinery exported petroleum to counties in Europe and in northern Africa. Competition in eastern Europe for oil was getting competitive. The U.S. took over Europe as world leaders of producing oil in the 1920’s. Factories and refineries began popping up all over the country. The hotspots in the U.S. for oil and gas are Charles 2 Texas, Oklahoma, California, and Alaska. These states to this day lead the country with the most oil and gas produced and their economies are based around the booming economy of oil and gas. Offshore oil welling...
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...Why American’s should drive Electric Car’s With the current state of affairs around the world in oil rich countries it’s amazing that we still drive cars with internal combustion engines. We continue to deliver the wealth of Americans to countries that tend to have a dislike of America and our way of life. Americans should adopt the new vehicles being manufactured in America that run solely on electricity and eliminate our dependency of foreign oil. If we consider three of the most common factors that a electric car would help eliminate we should look at. 1. The impact an electric car will have on our environment. 2. How your house can become a fuel station. 3. Reduce or eventually eliminate our dependencies on the need for Foreign Oil and the conflicts that ride along with our needs. When we consider the positive impact an electric car will have on our environment we can pretty much justify the need alone with the improvement with the quality of air we breathe. Just consider that according to “Michael Bloch of Green Living Tips” the common toxic byproducts of gasoline are: Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Sulfur dioxide, Benzene, Formaldehyde and Particulate matter or soot, and other polycyclic hydrocarbons are released by combustion engines. While we all know that breathing C2O alone can kill we should consider what the others are capable of doing to your health. Each year more than 15,000 people visit the hospital and more than 500 persons die from Carbon...
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