Alaska's Untapped Energy Treasure: Why the U. S. is Losing Out

Alaska is packed with natural resources that could power the state with clean energy. Wind, water, and heat from the earth are all available in abundance. Using these resources could save over a billion dollars, especially for remote areas that rely on expensive diesel fuel. Some places have already mixed wind power with diesel and seen lower costs and fewer emissions. But there's a problem. The people in charge are cutting back on support for renewable energy. They're reducing tax breaks and making it harder to build wind and solar farms on public land. They're also canceling important projects. This isn't just bad for Alaska; it's bad for the whole country. Experts say it could slow down the use of renewable energy and make energy more expensive for everyone. The claims made by the administration about renewable energy don't hold up. They say wind turbines harm birds, but in reality, buildings, cars, and even pets kill far more birds. They also say solar power doesn't work at night, but modern solar and wind power are actually some of the cheapest and safest ways to produce energy in many places. Other countries are moving forward with renewable energy. China and Europe are investing heavily in solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles. China is now the biggest producer of these technologies in the world. By cutting back on clean energy incentives, the U. S. is risking falling behind in the technology of the future. The U. S. has the potential to lead in renewable energy. The Southwest deserts and the Midwest plains are some of the best places in the world for renewable resources. But instead of taking advantage of this, the administration is pushing for a return to coal. This could trap the U. S. in an old, polluting energy system that the market is already moving away from. The world is shifting towards low-cost, environmentally friendly energy. The U. S. can either adapt and lead or be left behind.