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It was estimated by the International Center for Technology Assessment in 1998
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Dec 14, 2023
It was estimated by the International Center for Technology Assessment in 1998
that if the price of gasoline reflected all the environmental, military, and health costs
of using it and subsidies to the oil industry, its price would be at least 14agallon.11Gasolinesalestaxescanbeusedtocoversomeofthesehiddencosts−whichotherwisearebornebythewholesocietyintheirgeneraltaxesandinhealthcarecosts−butthetaxongasolineintheUnitedStateshasremainedmuchlowerthanthatinothermajorindustrializednations.In2000onlyaboutone−quarterofthepriceofgasolinewastaxesintheUnitedStates,whileinBritaintaxeswereaboutthree−quartersoftheprice,andtwo−thirdsinGermany,France,andItaly.12In2005thetypicalpriceofagallonofgasolineintheUnitedStateswas2.26 while in Norway it was 6.66,intheUK6.17, in Italy 5.94,andinFrance5.68.1 13
A more recent effort to address the energy issue in the United States came in 2005
under the presidency of George W. Bush. The US Congress passed an energy law
that still focused on securing more fossil fuels: oil, coal, and natural gas. It also
encouraged the construction of more nuclear power plants and provided more funds
for research in renewable energy sources. No provision directly addressed the need
to reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuels that were causing much of the change in
the earth's climate. Nor was there any provision to raise fuel efficiency standards
in
of vehicles, which were actually lower than they were in the late 1980s. 14 Finally
2007 Congress passed an energy law setting higher fuel efficiency standards for cars
and supporting more US produced biofuels for automobiles, mainly from corn, for
the domestic market. There were still no provisions to reduce CO2 emissions from
fossil fuels. Vehicles in the United States consume about 40 percent of its oil
consumption.
In 2008, 38 percent of US energy came from oil, 24 percent from natural gas, 23
percent from coal (thus 85 percent from fossil fuels), 8 percent from nuclear, and 7
15
Here is your solution:
#(a)#
#(b)#
#(c)#
#(d)#
The information provided reflects the economic and environmental considerations surrounding the use of fossil fuels, particularly gasoline, in the context of global and national policies. The International Center for Technology Assessment's 1998 estimate that the true cost of gasoline could be as high as $14 a gallon if all externalities were accounted for highlights the significant disparity between market prices and the actual economic impact of gasoline consumption. This includes environmental degradation, health costs, and military expenditures related to securing oil supplies.
The comparison of gasoline taxes between the United States and European countries such as Britain, Germany, France, and Italy indicates a policy difference where European nations have opted to internalize more of the external costs of gasoline through higher taxes. This serves not only to generate revenue but also to discourage excessive use and to fund alternatives. The lower tax rate in the United States suggests a different approach to energy policy, one that has historically been less aggressive in addressing the hidden costs of fossil fuel consumption.
The 2005 energy policy under President George W. Bush's administration, as well as the subsequent 2007 energy law, reflects the ongoing debate and policy decisions in the United States regarding energy sources and environmental impact. While there was an emphasis on securing fossil fuel resources and exploring nuclear and renewable energy, the absence of provisions to directly address CO2 emissions or significantly raise fuel efficiency standards indicates a reluctance to confront the environmental costs associated with fossil fuel consumption at that time.
The energy consumption data from 2008 shows a heavy reliance on fossil fuels (85%) in the United States, with oil being the largest single source. This underscores the challenge of transitioning to a more sustainable energy mix and the potential environmental implications of such a high dependency on fossil fuels.
Answer
The historical context provided demonstrates the complexities of energy policy in the United States, which has often been characterized by a tension between economic interests, energy security, and environmental concerns. Despite recognizing the external costs of gasoline consumption, U.S. policies have been slow to internalize these costs through taxation or regulation, and efforts to address CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency have been limited.
Key Concept
Energy policy and environmental impact
Explanation
The student's question touches on the broader themes of how societies manage resources and the environment, as well as the role of government in regulating industry and protecting public health and welfare. It also reflects the challenges of transitioning to sustainable energy sources in the face of established fossil fuel consumption patterns.
What percentage of US energy in 2008 came from fossil fuels?
Here is your solution:
#(a)#
#(b)#
In 2008, the United States' energy consumption was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which include coal, natural gas, and petroleum products. The use of these energy sources has been a significant factor in industrial development and economic growth. However, it has also contributed to environmental concerns such as greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
To determine the specific percentage of US energy that came from fossil fuels in 2008, we can refer to historical energy data provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). According to the EIA, in 2008, the United States obtained a large majority of its energy from fossil fuels.
Answer
In 2008, approximately 84% of the energy consumed in the United States came from fossil fuels.
Key Concept
The reliance on fossil fuels for energy
Explanation
This figure reflects the historical dependence of the United States on fossil fuels for its energy needs, which has been a trend for much of the 20th and early 21st centuries.
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