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Energy Independence Up For Debate

By Nicole Riccio*

*Guest Blog Post: Nicole Riccio is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park and an intern this semester at SolarTown.  The views expressed are solely those of the author.

I was excited to see the presidential candidates discussing energy independence and alternative sources of energy during the second presidential debate. Both candidates acknowledged that they would use an all-of-the-above approach to make America an energy independent nation, but in different ways.  Governor Romney’s major focus is supporting the oil industry, increasing off-shore drilling, and constructing an oil pipeline from Canada. President Obama, who has thus far refused to build such a pipeline, supports oil and natural gas, but wants to increase the focus on renewables like solar and wind. 69.jpg

During the debate, Obama expressed his opinion that we don’t just need to become energy independent, but that we also have to think about securing energy sources for the future.  He believes this can be done by further developing renewables, like solar and wind.  Obama went on to discuss how his administration has increased oil, natural gas and coal production.  He elaborated by stating that it’s not enough to just focus on these traditional sources of energy.  An increased focus on solar and wind, paired with the increased production of traditional energy sources has resulted in a lower rate of importation of foreign oil (the lowest rate in 20 years).  Obama called out his opponent by claiming Romney’s plan doesn’t follow the all-of-the-above approach.  He made it clear that he believes Romney is only concerned with oil and coal, and has no interest in developing renewables like solar. 

Romney did claim to be interested in renewables. Unlike Obama, though, his main focus was on coal, oil, and natural gas.  He also claimed to have a plan that will make America energy independent within eight years.  Romney believes this can happen by drilling more, increasing permits and licenses, and bringing an oil pipeline from Canada.  However, bringing in oil from Canada would not result in American energy independence.  He briefly mentioned renewables as part of his plan as well.  Romney went on to criticize Obama’s policies, which ignited a heated debate between the candidates.  They each attacked the validity of the other’s statements until the moderator, Candy Crowley, was able to introduce a new question and topic. 

While the candidates debated energy independence for several minutes, they failed to discuss climate change.  It’s surprising that climate change didn’t come up, especially because it is crucial to consider when discussing which sources of energy our country should be developing.