Green Energy: Crucial Gains or Economic Strains?

Most People Agree That The U.S. Fossil-Fuel Economy Wont Work Forever. Coal, Oil, and natural gas are all limited resources, and they harm the environment. Common sense dictates that people must move toward clean, renewable energy. But Americans disagree on how and when that change should happen.

Some people believe that the transition to a green energy economy will be very difficult and expensive. Critics of green energy say a rapid shift away from fossil fuels will ruin the fragile U.S. economy, so we should stick with what's working for now.

Other people strongly disagree. They believe that U.S. dependence on imported oil threatens national security and that the continued burning of fossil fuels hurts the planet. They say the sooner Americans shift to green energy, the better. Supporters insist the transition will help the U.S. economy by producing booming new industries and creating jobs.

Making sense of the green energy debate involves studying the science, examining the statistics, and listening to views on both sides. It also means asking tough questions:

What are the benefits and drawbacks of green energy technologies?

Can renewable resources produce enough power to supply the world?

Can the United States afford to shift away from fossil fuels?

Will this transition drain the economy or boost it?

To answer these questions, this book examines the history of energy use as well as the latest energy developments in the United Stares. It provides the opinions and perspectives of government and business leaders, activists, and ordinary Americans on both sides of the issue. Supplemented with quotes, anecdotes, and discussions from the pages of USA TODAY. TheNation's No. 1 Newspaper, this book will broaden your understanding of all sides of the issue and help you form your own opinion, either for or against a rapid transition to green energy.