Renewable energy

Over the past semester we have reviewed policies regarding renewable energy. We have discovered that money has played a large role in the policy-making decision. The policies we looked into are in a response to climate change, and a movement toward a progressive society.

Briana Agimudie worked on the Oklahoma Energy Development Act that was proposed in 2010. The project uncovers the fight for renewable wind energy and how economic success motivates the endorsing side for renewable energy whereas the opposing side leans towards a moral right to own property.

Stephanie Clifton covered the controversy over the Block Island Wind Farm. I looked into the opposition and support, which included the effect on views and the effect on electricity prices.

Matthew Conrad wrote about SB 100, which proposed 100% renewable energy in California by 2045. My project sought to understand arguments both for, and against the bill. Ultimately, I decided that SB 100 is bad policy due to the negative economic effects it would impose.

Adam Seibel covered an Oklahoma solar energy law that potentially jeopardizes the future of solar energy and its livelihood in this state. I was able to look into both sides of the policy and deconstruct the arguments that went into support for each side. I found that money and other energy companies play a large role in renewable energy policy.

Lawrence Zhou investigated SB100, a policy proposal to make California’s electrical grid 100% powered by renewable energy by 2045. Examining the economic and environmental effects of this policy, I conclude that urgency of climate change should motivate us to pass this bill.