How to Innovate Away from the use of Fossil Fuels

The environment should never be a stepping stone for short-lived economical gain. In September of 2008, the U.S. State Department received a proposal for a presidential permit to construct a massive pipeline through the heart of America (Keystone XL Pipeline Project). An approval of TransCanada’s Keystone XL Pipeline would prove to be hypocritical and tenuous. While the construction process would create jobs for a couple of years, the imprecations a new pipeline would place on the wellbeing of America would last decades. In 1970, Richard Nixon signed the Clean Air Act with intentions of developing a stronger economy and cleaner future for Americans (Clean Air Act). This act is being under minded by the avaricious oil tycoons of TransCanada. Furthermore, pipelines have an extensive history of failure. In just the last two years, America has fell victim to numerous oil pipeline spills. Spills leading to polluted waterways, evacuated homes, and devastated wildlife. If the American society plans to preserve this beautiful nation it calls home, a refusal of the Keystone XL pipeline needs to be paramount. To better understand this, a prime example of America’s splendor being shattered by the detriment of an oil pipeline can be found in the northern state of Michigan.

In reference to the Environmental Protection Agency, late July of 2010 proved to be devastating as Marshall Township, Michigan was shaken up by Enbridge’s oil pipeline failure, releasing 819,000 gallons of crude oil into Talmadge Creek (Clean up by the numbers). Furthering the catastrophic heavy crude leak, “flooding caused the water levels to rise above the dams, allowing the spill to travel an additional 30 miles” (Markey, Ed, et al). By this point the spill had made its way into the Kalamazoo River, a Lake Michigan tributary. The most recent update calculated 1,139,569 gallons of oil collected from the spill thus far, greatly exceeding initial estimates. As Enbridge continues its cleaning efforts, crews are diligently struggling with a similar disaster nearly 15,000 miles to the west in Billings, Montana.

A correlation of ExxonMobil’s emergency response team and other emergency response organizations are busily working to remove the 42,000 gallons of oil invading Yellowstone River (Markey, Ed, et al). A section, located below the riverbed, of ExxonMobil’s Silvertip pipeline cracked on July 1, 2011, sending the surrounding area on high alert (EPA update on YROS). While forestry, waterways, and wildlife are the obvious victims of oil spills, surrounding civilizations experience a major upheaval as well. The Silvertip pipeline’s failure consequently led to the evacuation of locals, exacerbating the situation further. During the efforts to cleanse the Yellowstone River of its oily invader, hundreds of disaster response personnel scoured the riverbanks as families temporarily relocated. In addition, the EPA reported sightings of nineteen oil covered animals, including a bald eagle, along with reports of ten deceased animals as well (EPA update on YROS). Oil pipeline spills have proven, time and time again, to be malicious to everything surrounding it, thus leading to a solution. Instead of focusing America’s energy and finances towards furthering the development of fossil fuels, clean and renewable energy sources should be of primary concern.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ninety-two percent of America’s energy is provided by non-renewable energy sources, while only eight percent is (Energy Sources). If the Department of State were to accept the offer from TransCanada to build the Keystone XL pipeline, America’s advancement of renewable energy would stall. This hindrance can easily be avoided via utilization of the many clean and renewable energy sources already available. One possible option for America would be solar power. Heat from the sun has the ability to be captured and transformed into a viable source of energy. Solar panels would allow society to power the necessities of life without anathematic greenhouse gasses. Another excellent option utilizes the wind to generate power. As the earth’s surface cools unevenly, wind is created, thus providing society with an admirable, clean, source of energy (Energy Sources). Adding to the list, another source of renewable energy is biomass. Biomass is produced from products such as wood, crops, garbage, landfill gas, and alcohol fuels. It allows energy to be generated by converting these products into heat, methane gas, or transportation fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel” (Energy Sources). With so many viable options for society to choose from, fossil fuels should slowly diminish from the everyday lives of civilization.

This being said, the citizens of America need to ban together and cease the maelstrom of chaos created by fossil fuels. There is no reason for this country to continue being plagued by disastrous oil spills. America has the knowledge and technology to innovate a greener future. All it needs to do now is utilize it. History has proven risks are inevitable if great things are to ensue. Now is the time for society to take that risk head on by ridding America’s dependence on fossil fuels and conquering the path to green innovation. Through the support of society as a whole, engineering marvels can improve the face of America for future generations. With this purpose in mind, step out, be brave, and modernize America’s source of energy.

Bibliography

“Clean Air Act.” Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 21. November. 2011.

“Clean up by the numbers.” EPA’s Response to the Enbridge Oil Spill. Environmental Protection Agency. Science and Technology (Citizens Gateway). Web. 13 November. 2011.

“EPA Update on Yellowstone River Oil Spill (Silvertip Pipeline), July 18, 2011.” News Releases by Date. Environmental Protection Agency. Science and Technology (Citizens Gateway). Web. 20 November. 2011.

Keystone XL Pipeline Project. Project Background. U.S. Department of State. Science and Technology (Citizen Gateway). Web. 13 November. 2011.

Markey, Ed, et al. Two Years of Pipeline Accidents Highlights Need for Overhaul of Safety. Natural Resources Committee. Science and Technology (Citizen Gateway). Web. 13 November. 2011.