A Decrease in Imports without a Decrease in Dependence

So the challenge of reviewing the latest on Obama and his direction toward domestic solutions brings up the question of whether or not we look at the package for the immediate good or the realization that the longer term issues are unwavering.  In the article, "Obama urges one-third cut in oil imports" Obama offers the same speech of focusing on the wider use of natural gas and biofuels and establishing higher fuel efficiency standards.  Yet in the same breath, there is a call for "oil companies to make greater use of the federal leases both onshore and offshore to prop up domestic oil output."

In my classes, I've had discussions on how to gauge progress in environmental economics.  In one instance, we can commend the President and his drive to push for the advancement of alternative fuel sources, yet without addressing the reason why there is a need for alternatives, we end up with the "more domestic oil!" speech which does little for decreasing dependence on oil or the need to transition from our current infrastructure.

The discussions move forward and brings up the question of whether or not increasing domestic oil output will hinder the renewable industry.  One school of thought is that this is another example of how the oil industry will always remain a dominant source for an insatiable American appetite, but no matter your stance, you must remember that technology ALWAYS evolves.   So while oil will always be oil, clean energy technology spans many industries and sustainability concepts will undoubtedly become essential to businesses within them.

~Michael