Energy

Before you make your final decision about a topic, get to know it a bit. Check out the books and articles in the large study room and/or follow a couple of the links included below.
=== Questions to ask when selecting a topic: ===
 * 1) How much information is available? Is it readily available or do I have to dig deep?
 * 2) Is the information credible? written by an expert? current?
 * 3) Is the information written on a level I can understand?

Is our electric grid adequately protected against terrorism and natural disasters?

Should the U.S. speed up its switch to alternative energy sources?

What can North Carolina do to move out of the top ten most gas-guzzling states in the nation?

Are national standards for fuel efficiency both desirable and feasible?
 * http://www.wbtv.com/story/15174217/president-obama-announced-545-mpg-fuel-efficiency-standard
 * http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/regulations.htm
 * http://energy.nationaljournal.com/2011/08/sizing-up-obamas-fuel-economy.php

Should North Carolina develop its potential for wind energy production?
 * http://www.climate.unc.edu/coastal-wind
 * http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/wind_resource_maps.asp?stateab=nc
 * http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/05/18/2304684/offshore-areas-for-wind-farms.html#storylink=misearch
 * http://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/states/north-carolina/
 * http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_cons_sum_dcu_snc_a.htm

Should the U.S. adopt "carbon labeling" so consumer know the amount of energy consumer and greenhouse gases emitted through use of a product or service?
 * http://www.carbonlabelca.org/
 * http://www.carbon-label.com/
 * http://www.terrapass.com/blog/posts/british-superma
 * http://www.google.com/search?q=carbon+labeling&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=L1X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=C0FiTvXtJIfegQegmoi4Cg&ved=0CEwQsAQ&biw=1145&bih=630

What forms of energy should we pour money into developing?

media type="youtube" key="i8N_Ybz5_4A?fs=1" height="385" width="640" Are energy conservation measures like a smart grid and a low-flush toilet the key to energy independence?

Could carbon sequestration reduce our carbon footprint?

Is the U.S. falling behind other nations in the development of green engineering and energy production?

How can the U.S. become a leader in the world’s efforts to minimize climate change?

Should auto taxes be revised to reflect fuel efficiency and miles driven?

Can energy-efficient vehicles revive the Big Three in the auto industry?

Should deep-water drilling for oil and natural gas be restricted and/or better regulated?

** 2013-2014 Topics **
Should more be done to prevent overfishing? Rare Earth Elements: Are we ready for a new dependency on China? Should NC permit fracking (hydraulic fracturing; hydrofracking) in order to become a producer of natural gas? Is natural gas the answer to our dependence on foreign oil? Is fracking a safe answer to our national energy needs?

** 2012-2013 Topics **
Should other nations follow Germany's example and plan to close nuclear energy plants? Should the U.S. invest more in its transportation system, especially railroads? Is nuclear power safe enough to become our major source of energy? Geoengineering Hydrogen as a Power Source Prescribed Burns as Wildfire Prevention Water Pollution in the Dominican Republic

** 2011-2012 Topics **
Is the Keystone XL pipeline a good deal for the U.S.?
 * http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html
 * http://www.keystonepipeline-xl.state.gov/clientsite/keystonexl.nsf?Open
 * http://www.thenation.com/video/163064/bill-mckibben-stopping-keystone-xl-pipeline
 * http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/22/opinion/tar-sands-and-the-carbon-numbers.html
 * http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/energy-intelligence/2011/07/27/approving-keystone-xl-pipeline-would-create-jobs-and-lower-gas-prices

** 2010-2011 Topics **
What form of energy should America's youth look to for the future? Should deep-water drilling for oil and natural gas be restricted and/or better regulated?