California is often one of the most progressive states in our union, especially regarding their environmental practices. From charging money for grocery bags to cutting greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades, the environmental policies they’ve enacted are impressive. Because California often serves as the progressive, innovative template for environmental policies, it is alarming that the state’s recent attempts to cut carbon emissions were met with extreme controversy. Legislation that requires a 50 percent decrease in petroleum use by Jan. 1, 2030 in California has ignited disagreement among members of the Assembly. If California cannot pass this legislation, nobody can. That is scary.
When compared with other industrial countries, America’s environmental practices are borderline pathetic. European countries like Portugal and Germany are leading the world in use of sustainable energy like wind and solar power. According to data by the Solar Energies Industry Association, Germany has very similar environmental goals — the entire nation was able to agree on the urgency of decarbonizing the energy sector. By the year 2035, the nation of Germany will utilize 55-60 percent renewable electricity sources. How is it that a country of 80 million people — and undoubtedly more by 2035, given the current growth of the German population in the refugee crisis — can come to a consensus on an environmental plan, but one state with 30 million people cannot?
The United States is home to some of the best universities with the most accelerated engineering programs. The most brilliant minds in history have come to this country for research because of the advances in science, technology, engineering and math present within our boundaries. It is paradoxical that we are so progressive in our thoughts yet entirely unchanging in our actions.
The main argument posed against the movement toward sustainable energy resources is our nation’s dependence on oil. Petroleum powers the vast majority of our nation’s electricity and provides countless jobs for citizens. Democrats and Republicans alike are worried for the future of California if half of its petroleum use is cut because they fear jobs would be proportionally eliminated.
There is no doubt that weaning the U.S. off of petroleum would result in job losses for many, but the oil industry provides thousands of jobs. But this thinking is incredibly narrow — cutting petroleum does not mean cutting the energy sector. If petroleum is no longer the primary source of electricity in our nation, some other source — like solar, wind or hydroelectric power — has to replace it. Implementing these new forms of energy would create a plethora of jobs to replace those formerly working in petroleum. Transitioning to renewable energy resources would require the help of thousands: systems design, production, marketing, permitting, installation, etc., whether these be in the private, public or non-profit sectors. A shortage of jobs is not an issue, because implementing more sustainable energy practices will create thousands of jobs to make the transition from petroleum to renewable energy.
The transition has to happen at some point. The U.S. cannot continue to invade foreign countries, dump massive oil reserves into the ocean and pollute the environment to access energy. Petroleum availability cannot be guaranteed, and it cannot be used indefinitely. During the next few decades, there must be more widespread implementation of renewable energy resources.
Renewable energy is deemed sustainable because it can be used, recycled and reused continuously. With any energy transition, a slight amount of energy will be lost, but these renewable sources are infinitely more efficient than petroleum. According to National Geographic, the solar energy emitted onto the earth’s surface for one hour is enough to provide global electricity for one year. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, one onshore wind turbine can produce enough energy to provide for 1,500 average European households. These sustainable forms of energy should not be disregarded, for they have great potential for maintaining the electrical needs of American families.
Though it has been proven better for the environment, the health of consumers and the economy, renewable energy is still ignored by the majority of citizens and government representatives. While oil companies in the U.S. continue to enslave consumers, European countries are taking drastic measures to be more sustainable. By the year 2030, Democrats and Republicans may still be bickering with oil companies in California while Germany utilizes 50 percent renewable energy. The U.S. may have beat Germany in both World Wars, but they definitely triumphed in the sustainability movement.