When Americans are asked about the biggest problems that their country is facing, they mention terrorism or the struggling economy. When Barack Obama took office, he had a different answer. He said, “At a time of such great challenge for America, no single issue is as fundamental to our future as energy. America’s dependence on oil is one of the most serious threats that our nation has faced.”  For America to stop depending on oil, they must become energy independent. Energy independence is the ability to create as much energy as is used.

While experts on the topic often discuss the benefits to American foreign policy and trade that energy independence would yield, the focus of this article will be science related. If the United States did become energy independent, the environment would benefit. For energy independence to be achieved, the United States would have to develop sources of renewable energy. There is simply not enough oil and natural gas in the United States for the country to rely on it for 100% of its energy. Energy sources like solar and wind are much healthier for the environment.

The use of oil, for example, has numerous downsides. According to The Wilderness Society, “Oil and gas drilling can be a dirty business. Drilling projects operate on a 24-hour basis, disrupting wildlife, water sources, human health, recreation and other purposes for which public lands were set aside and held in trust for the American people.” These issues are not present in renewable energy. Catching sun rays or harnessing wind power does not affect water, humans, or wildlife. Becoming energy independent would cause more of the United State’s energy sources to be this safe and environmentally friendly alternative. In the long run, less, if any, energy will come from unsustainable practices like oil, natural gas and coal.

Opponents argue that developing natural energy is expensive and not practical. According to the Foreign Policy Association, “The goal of an energy-independent America is ambitious, but it seems more plausible every year. In domestic oil and natural gas industries, production is up and costs are down. Meanwhile, solar, wind, geothermal and biofuel technologies are all making huge strides”(2014). Also, according to the same source, “Widespread renewable energy is no longer a pipedream. Solar, wind, biofuels and other new technologies have all seen costs fall in recent years”(2014). While oil and natural gas are becoming less efficient, scientists and engineers are making huge advancements in the field of renewable energy. These advances will lead to a decrease in the price of renewable energy.

Instituting natural energy will greatly reduce the United States’s environmental footprint, as well as set an example. If one of the world’s superpowers is treating climate change as an issue and using sustainable energy because of it, other countries will follow suit. The United State’s decision to become energy independent will start a global phenomenon, one that will ultimately save the earth.