This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Today, President Obama spoke again about the country's need for an all-of-the-above U.S. energy strategy. Speaking to a cheering crowd of supporters in Largo, MD, the President stated that the country needs an energy future that incorporates domestic oil and gas with wind and solar, on top of increased efficiency. In other words, the country needs it all.
In the President's remarks, he stated that "...critical to our long-term success is the question of energy. How do we use less energy? How do we produce more energy right here in the United States of America."
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These statements echo earlier comments by the President. On March 7, he told a North Carolina audience that:
"We're not going to be able to just drill our way out of the problem of high gas prices...If we are going to control our energy future, then we've got to have an all-of-the-above strategy. We've got to develop every source of American energy—not just oil and gas, but wind power and solar power, nuclear power, biofuels."
Earlier this week, Scientific American's David Biello published a piece where he explored this "all-of-the-above" approach to U.S. energy in a discussion with Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu. In this piece, Biello and Chu explore the concept of energy independence and the biggest cost drivers in our energy systems, including climate change. They also engage in a lively banter regarding new technologies - and the potential for America to continue to lead as the world's great innovator. You can find the entire story here - including a extensive discussion in the comments area.