Last week I wrote an article about energy independence. In this article, I will write about steps that our country could take to make energy independence a reality. Here's what, in my opinion, we need to do..

1. First and foremost, the issue of oil cartels monopolizing the energy sector need to be addressed by Americans. In a perfect world, this would involve abolishing the influence by the special interests and curtailing the influence of the oil companies in Congress. Easier said than done! A more realistic scenario, and one that is very empowering, would involve a grass roots effort towards energy independence starting at the local level and working its way to the national level (More on this later).

2. Fund both renewable and traditional energy resources across the board, creating a "hybrid renewable-traditional energy" system. This would involve:

   a. The creation of wind farms across parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming and other neighboring states as well offshore wind-farms.

   b. Expansion of solar energy centers; Creation of solar arrays in the sunniest parts of the United States, including Arizona and California deserts.

   c. Rethinking garbage; Creating a system which ensures the recycling of as many components from garbage as possible. There are tons of recyclable materials clogging our landfills - These could be put to better use. The remaining garbage can be converted to energy, as this very interesting article by Popular Science demonstrates.

   d. Instituting non-corn based bio-fuels that do not harm the food supply chain. Scientific American has an excellent article about this very idea titled "Grass Makes Better Ethanol than Corn Does".

   e. Pursuing other renewable sources of energy, such as geothermal and ocean wave powered energy.

   f. Responsibly pursuing traditional forms of energy. Yes, this would involve drilling for oil in our country. We have to make some sacrifices and unfortunately this is one of them. However, strict oversights and a great care for the environment would be put into place so as to minimize our footprint while attaining this oil.

3. Creating a social paradigm shift to embrace renewable-hybrid technologies as well as create an environment conducive to the development of such systems. This would include:

   a. Creating major tax incentives for auto makers to create hybrid, hydrogen-based or electric automobiles. Likewise, creating substantial tax incentives for people to purchase and drive such automobiles.

   b. Mandatory raising of fuel efficiency in all vehicles.

   c. Some may not like this one, but discouraging ownership of big trucks/SUVs; limiting these only on to a permit based system. Economics is making the SUV unpopular with gas being over $4/gallon. However, we need to make the ownership of such gas guzzlers equally unpopular even if gas is ever $1/gallon. Yes, many people will not like this; However, I did mention before sacrifices would need to be made.

   d. Funding cities/towns to create energy efficient alternative transit systems which would involve light-rail, clean energy buses, and dedicated bike lanes. City planning commissions would be required to create functional and pedestrian friendly cities/towns.

   e. Funding colleges and universities to produce a workforce of people ready to take part in the renewable-traditional energy sector. Creating practical degrees for scientists, technicians, and business-people related to this sector.

   f. Funding leading-edge science, free of influences by oil conglomerates or special interests, to pursue new and better forms of energy.

As I mentioned previously, waiting for big oil to come around may accomplish very little. What will be required is a concerted grassroots effort across our nation to embrace the hybrid renewable-traditional energy paradigm shift and make it a reality. It can begin with small towns creating a micro renewable-traditional energy system, reliant on wind power, solar power, bio-fuels, and energy-conscious city planning. As more and more towns and cities across our nation adopt these policies and by their own choices give up the chains of energy imprisonment, our nation will rise to even greater heights - Finally achieving energy independence. No longer will our lives be dictated by foreign governments or special interests.

The time has come for energy independence. Each step taken towards this goal will only work to improve not only our lives, but the lives of generations to come.