Chapter 13

Are you for or against the increased use of horizontal drilling and fracking (Core Case Study) to produce oil and natural gas in the United States? Explain. What are the alternatives?

Do you think that the estimated hidden costs of gasoline should be included in its price at the pump? Explain. Would you favor much higher gasoline taxes to accomplish this if payroll taxes and income taxes were reduced to balance gasoline tax increases, with no net additional cost to consumers? Explain.

List three things you could do to reduce your dependence on oil and gasoline. Which of these things do you already do or plan to do?

Explain why you would support or oppose each of the following proposals made by various energy analysts: a. Government subsidies for all energy alternatives should be eliminated so that all energy choices can compete on a level playing field in the marketplace. b. All government tax breaks and other subsidies for conventional fossil fuels, synthetic natural gas and oil, and nuclear power (fission and fusion) should be eliminated. They should be replaced with subsidies and tax breaks for improving energy efficiency and developing renewable energy resources. c. Development of renewable energy resources should be left to private enterprise and should receive little or no help from the federal government, but the nuclear power and fossil fuels industries should continue to receive large federal government subsidies and tax breaks.

How important is it to make the transition to a new energy future? Do you think it can be done? Explain. How would making such a transition might affect your life and the lives of any children or grandchildren you might have? How would not making such a transition affect your life and the lives of any children or grandchildren you might have?

Congratulations! You are in charge of the world. List the five most important features of your energy policy and explain why each of them is important and how they relate to each other.