Iola High School
Iola, Kansas
Teacher: Loretta Arnold
The Energy Policy Act of 2005
By: Mark Cunningham
12th Grade
As a step is taken in any direction, motivation is needed to make it happen. The energy world has taken a step by creating the Energy Policy Act of 2005. A strong will to lessen the domestic dependence on foreign oil has existed for some time, and was, in fact, the motivation to create such a bill.
The bill, which any one person may critique, is, quite ironically, meant to help a very great deal of people move forward in their lives amid a futuristic and rapidly changing world. The bill proposes many programs, some of which have already taken effect. These programs, when dealt with in an accepting public, may be very practical and meaningful to a progressive economy.
The economy in this country has had its share of sharp corners and rough dealings. What it has needed for some time is a push start ahead to better technology and tomorrow's promising innovations. One step this bill proposes is to explore the realms of clean, renewable energy, found within our own borders. The possibilities alone denote progress, because included are wind, solar, nuclear, hydroelectric, fuel-cell, and biomass technologies, all of which are renewable, clean, efficient, domestic, and logical.
The bill delves even further into the economic machine with its promises to keep the country in motion throughout the entire process of replacing resource dependence. It does this by refusing to completely dissolve the oil system and succeeding to keep some form of cheap and dependable energy on hand. The bill is very thorough in fulfilling the basic needs of the public's energy needs.
As one may imagine, the bill was created for a better tomorrow and a better world in which tomorrow's generation may live. I trust that it has begun to do just that, if not more.
Answers to the Required Reading Questions
1. Gassahol is a byproduct exclusively from ethanol and gasoline whereas cellulosic ethanol can be produced from agricultural waste such as cornstalks, grasses, and tree bark.
2. Why did auto makers produce cars that could operate using ethanol as well as gasoline before there was an adequate number of service stations that could provide ethanol?
The cars were produced earlier in order to give the car companies a break from fuel economy standards.
3. When were the first cars produced that were capable of using ethanol?
The first was—in fact—the Model-T, made by Henry Ford.
4. In a paragraph, describe Brazil's experience with ethanol. What did the Fortune article claim was Brazil's key to success?
Sugarcane, the most energy rich feedstock known, grows easily in Brazil. Ethanol, which is made from sugarcane, fulfills forty percent of Brazil's fuel needs. Any extra ethanol left over is used for electricity. Consumers are choosing ethanol on their own, rather than being forced to support its use.
5. What is the significance of the yellow gas cap?
Each cap signifies that the vehicle displaying it is a flex-fuel vehicle, or able to switch between ethanol and gasohol with ease.
6.Describe bio-diesel.
It is a renewable fuel produced from oils, alcohol, fats or greases (from which the glycerin has been removed). The advantage of bio-diesel is its reduced emission of greenhouse gases.
7.Explain the term “flex-fuel engine.” What American auto manufacturer introduced the first prototype of a flex-fuel engine?
They are identical to gasohol engines, except for a few adjustments to accommodate ethanol use. Ford was the original maker of the ethanol engine.
8. Trace the progress of H.R.6 for viewers to our web site.
The bill was introduced July 28, 2005; passed in the House November 16; and in the Senate December 22.
9. What is the purpose of the fuel hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative?
It proposes to improve the technologies for the commercialization of hybrid and flex fuel vehicles.
10. What is the nation's largest renewable energy resource?
Hydroelectric power.
11. What is the purpose of the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative?
It plans to develop the technologies needed to produce, distribute and store hydrogen for future hydrogen technology.
12. List seven items mentioned in the 2005 energy tax bill that taxpayers can claim as credits against their tax bills.
1. -The construction of energy-efficient offices and homes
2. -The installation of energy efficient equipment that reduces energy consumption by 50%
3. -The building of energy efficient homes by contractors which save 50% or more over the 2003 Energy Conservation Code
4. -The purchase of solar equipment
5. -The purchase of water heaters, air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps with certain efficiency levels
6. -The production, by manufacturers, of highly energy-efficient dishwashers, washers, and refrigerators
7. -The purchase of solar, photo voltaic and fuel cell properties for use in residences