Sermon on Energy/Environment

As America grows more advanced and innovators continue to provide the public with groundbreaking technology, one fact remains the same- that energy is required to fuel these contributions.   As the United States’ energy resources are being slowly depleted, politicians on all ends of the spectrum are rushing to secure a future abundant in energy resources.  This problem thus comes with attached problem of the environment’s existence.  Without a healthy environment, neither can energy resources survive nor Americans.

            When it comes to the topic of energy and oil both Republicans and Democrats wish to achieve more efficient practices for producing energy.  It is the definition of “efficient energy practices” however that set these two opposing parties apart from each other.  Democrats view energy efficiency as being able to produce energy from alternate, more environmentally friendly sources.  Democrats wish to encourage the use of solar energy as well as other energies that produce less carbon gas and even promote renewable fuels.  In attempts to aid the American people economically, Democrats attempt to punish gas price gougers.

            Republicans’ previously, as recently as up until 2004, wished to secure America’s energy sources in the future by expanding and advancing current methods of acquiring energy, meaning Republicans wished to further the use of oil.   So that America does not heavily rely on other nations as a source of energy, Republicans wanted to increase the production of coal, oil, and natural gas on American territory.  In order to maintain environmental health, Republicans supported environmentally safe practices of producing oil and coal and promote such by attempting to provide tax incentives.  However Republicans have progressively come to agree with the exploration of alternate and more environmentally cleaner energy resources.  In 2007 an Energy Bill was passed with the support of some Republicans that attempted to achieve a healthier environment through principles formerly held by Democrats alone.  Republicans have even proposed an Energy Act in 2009 that would increase production of energy on American soil, and provide incentives for businesses and scientists to research alternate energy resources and practice more efficient ways of providing energy without spending too much money or producing to much carbon gas. 

            While views on energy have become more and more similar, party views on environmental issues grow more and more divergent.  Global warming, being a main topic of discussion amongst politicians, seems to be more widely accepted by Democrats.  According to gallop polls in 2008, around 76 percent of self-identified Democrats believe the effects of global warming are already occurring, and only 42 percent of self-identified Republicans believe this to be true.  However whether global warming poses a serious threat in our lifetime received a low response in both political parties.  Only 49 percent of Democrats believe global warming to be a pressing threat and an even lower percentage of 26 Republicans agree.  It is for this reason that more Democrats have pushed for action to halt the progression of global warming, most notably the Democrat Al Gore. 

            Energy and the environment though related topics seem to produce different trends in responses from the two opposing political parties.  While Democrats and Republicans have grown to agree more on methods of acquiring and improving energy, the topic of global warming remains a divisive one.   Although most Republicans feel that global warming does not require immediate action they agree with Democrats on the actions necessary to keeping America’s energy resources cheap and efficient.  However, this agreement on clean energy practices indirectly contributes to the solving of global warming, so the passing of time proves that America draws closer and closer to a consensus on energy and environmental issues.

           

Works Cited

Dunlap, Riley E., and Aaron M. McCright. "Untitled Document." Environment Magazine -- September/October 2010. 2008. Web. 27 Sept. 2010. <http://www.environmentmagazine.org/Archives/Back Issues/September-October 2008/dunlap-full.html>.

"Energy Independence: Investing In A Secure Future." Democrats.senate.gov - Senator Harry Reid, Majority Leader. Web. 27 Sept. 2010. <http://democrats.senate.gov/energy/act/>.

Pence,..., By Mike. "Republicans Introduce the American Energy Act - GOP.gov." GOP.gov - The Website of Republicans in Congress. 10 June 2009. Web. 27 Sept. 2010. <http://www.gop.gov/general/09/06/10/republicans-introduce-the-american-energy>.

"Republican Party on Energy & Oil." OnTheIssues.org - Candidates on the Issues. 10 Feb. 2010. Web. 27 Sept. 2010. <http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Republican_Party_Energy_ _Oil.htm>.