The energy industries depend on fossil fuel to run the machines, but the energy is exhaustible and depleted, making it unreliable. On the contrary, using the non-exhaustible source such as solar power and water turbines gives a hopeful future because they never run out (Chapman et al., 2018). Fossil fuel such as coal is the primary energy source for many industries, but it is not reliable because of the negative environmental impact and the limited supply period. Besides, fossil fuel has a specific half-life where they lose the energy strength compared to the solar energy and water turbines which are renewable and have a minimal negative impact on the environment (Leonard et al., 2020). The use of fossil fuel has more cons than pros, such as the high production of carbon dioxide, which leads to global warming compared to renewable sources such as solar and sun.
The Renewable Fuel Standard Policy of 2007, as reported by Chapman (2018), passed the same year under the Energy Policy in the United States, helped reduce the use and dependence on fossil fuel by more than 50%. The approach is under the regulatory processes by the federal states to regain the economic, political, and environmental impact of fossil fuel extraction. Amendment of the policy in 2017 included advocating for renewable energy through tax reliefs, incentives, and federal grants to encourage its use (Leonard et al., 2020). In the 19th century, 80% of the United States’ energy came from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gases (Chapman et al., 2018, p. 190). However, President George Bush gave a monetary incentive to the department of energy to address environmental degradation caused by coal extraction. Similarly, Obama advocated for renewable energy to boost President Bush’s policies. Proponents of the energy policy argue that it is a finite energy source and contributes to air and water pollution. Energy regulation policies against that discourage fossil fuel use require serious consideration because it helps explore other efficient energy sources.
Solutions to the increasing consumption and use of fossil fuel include policies against the use of fossil fuel, elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, investment in energy efficiency as outlined in the energy regulation policies. First, it is essential to implement the policy and adhere to its requirements because it helps to reduce the effects of non-renewable sources of energy (Leonard et al., 2020). Second, the policy advocates eliminating fossil fuel subsidies and increasing taxes to make it hard to import and process raw materials such as coal. Third, the government should explore other available sources of efficient and environmentally friendly energy such as solar power and hydroelectric power station. For instance, the federal government should reduce taxes on solar power and help to replace the fossil-powered grids with power from a solar plant (Chapman et al., 2018, p. 188). Thus, full implementation of the energy policy to abolish the dependence on fossil fuel will lead to reduced pollution, political and economic stability.
The use of fossil fuel as a source of energy leads to high carbon dioxide production, which increases global gases. In contrast, renewable sources such as solar and sun provide the most efficient and environmentally friendly alternative energy source. The standard renewable policy helps to curb the dependence on fossil energy through tax reliefs, incentives, and energy grants on the use of renewable sources of energy. This policy supports the increasing consumption of fossil fuels by eliminating fossil fuel subsidies and investing in energy-efficient sources. Implementing the energy regulation policies will help avoid limited energy and pollution problems because it allows for efficient renewable energy.
References
Chapman, A., McLellan, B., & Tezuka, T. (2018). Prioritizing mitigation efforts considering co-benefits, equity, and energy justice: Fossil fuel to renewable energy transition pathways. Applied Energy, 219, 187-198. Web.
Leonard, M., Michaelides, E., & Michaelides, D. (2020). Energy storage needs for the substitution of fossil fuel power plants with renewables. Renewable Energy, 145, 951-962. Web.