Energy Revolution: How does it Start?

What does it take to make the U.S. energy independent?  The answer is not so obvious since this is an age old question that has yet to be answered.  Many in society often discuss the need to become energy independent, but there is always a gap between rhetoric and the implementation of policies and practices that will make the U.S. truly "energy independent."

Whether energy independence is even possible is a subject of debate. For example, Paul Roberts, author of: End of Oil asserts "You need to understand that when they (politicians) discuss energy independence it's a rhetorical gimmick."  As such, perhaps when the issue of energy independence comes up, are Americans resigned to the fact that we will just keep being an oil dependent economy for generations to come?  What is the source of this disconnect between energy independence rhetoric and the lack of action?

Energy independence, therefore, has to come from us.  Simply put, it has to come from individual demands to develop alternative energy and to change energy consumption patterns in the U.S.  While this cannot happen overnight, true energy independence can happen, but only if individual citizens show that they desire it.  While there have been some investments by companies in green technologies, the U.S. is still dependent on a fossil fuel economy.   Thus, the same discussions about energy independence will continue for generations unless we do something to say enough is enough.  Energy independence should not be brushed off as a gimmick.  Rather, it should become a reality, but that can only happen if we decide to make the necessary steps to pave the way.

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