Fuel for thought

Alternative energy sources need attention

As the price of gasoline remains high, the same culprits are once again held accountable and tired, predictable solutions are advocated. The nation, and in particular the presidential candidates, debate oil policy.

The merits of plans to engineer the price of oil have become points of contention within the current presidential race. Proposals abound to halt or at least stymy escalating prices. Indeed, the implementation of subtle oil price controls has become a point of contention between the major parties.

From Vice President Gore's plan to dip into the strategic petroleum reserve to Governor Bush's proposed drilling in Alaska, it seems that every candidate has a particular method whereby the price of oil will be controlled.

These plans come complete with assorted detractions. Alaskan drilling brings the reality that drilling in Alaska will destroy some of the nation's most beautiful landscape. Concerning Gore's plan, reports have already surfaced that oil released from the strategic petroleum reserve will be sent overseas.

However, the evident common denominator remains, these plans mainly treat the price of oil for the near future. In short, current oil policy is a quick fix for an energy addict. The United States voraciously consumes energy. To feed this habit of wanton energy consumption the U.S. turns to relatively cheap oil and other fossil fuels.

Rather than quick fixes, the mounting energy problem demands long-term action; alternative energy (solar, tidal, photovoltiacs, wind, nuclear, etc.) is promising if not already available.

Research is being undertaken to expand and maximize alternative energy possibilities; this research should be continued, expanded and encouraged. Those sources of alternative energy already existing should be implemented on a national scale. Clearly feasible, and working under limited implementation, these alternative energy resources should be given equal or greater attention than their less efficient and less abundant counterparts. The cleaner promise of alternative energy should never be overlooked by the fleeting abundance, availability and relative pricing of fossil fuel.

As the specter of an energy crisis again looms overhead it is imperative that every effort be taken to solve the long term energy problems.

Alternative energy solutions must be researched, utilized and optimized. Energy consumption should be held in check by self-restraint, and energy efficiency improvements. From more efficient cars to solar energy, the possibility of energy free from the constraints of oil is possible. The country simply needs to make the decision to make alternative energy sources a priority.