Alternative energy sources Since earth and space are resources as limited as those they contain, there is no doubt that an expansion in one sector would hinder the ability of another to operate. In James Lovgren's article, the oil and natural gas industries are vilified for their reckless disregard of the fishing industry and its role in the nation's – and world's – food capacity. However, this raises a simple question related to human nature. If you are in the energy industry, it makes sense that you don't understand the fishing business. This alien industry is outside the purview of energy producers and, for this reason, it is difficult to accuse them of “contemptively industrializing” the New Jersey coast (Lovgren). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay James Lovgren definitely hits the nail on the head when he draws the “food or fuel” dichotomy. By using the coast for industrial purposes, particularly in areas of high fish density, energy producers will drive away both a critical source of food and the main source of income for the fishing industry. Indeed, these facilities would “require vast no-fishing areas around both the existing waste facility and its thirty to fifty miles of pipeline” (Lovgren). Considering that the New Jersey coast is approximately two hundred miles long, the panic felt by those aware of the size of these areas is not at all irrational. While oil and gas will remain part of the world's energy production for a long time, modern scientific developments and increasingly impressive engineering feats are allowing us to create energy through unique, creative and economical methods. Solar and wind are considered two of the most viable alternative energy sources for domestic electricity production (OEERE). Wind farms and solar panels are appearing throughout New Jersey, particularly with the addition of wind turbines in Atlantic City (Governor's Office). Considered an eyesore by some, this investment in alternative energy by the city has created a more sustainable Atlantic City. Under a plan by former Governor Jon S. Corzine, wind energy production in the state of New Jersey would triple to 3,000 megawatts by 2020 (Governor's Office). This figure represents approximately 13% of the total estimated energy production in New Jersey. While it's far-fetched to imagine that cars could ever run on wind, cars are a very replaceable part of our infrastructure. Cities, buildings, highways, power plants, and schools are things that tend not to disappear once built, and therefore must change with the times to avoid becoming obsolete and decrepit. In times of peak oil, an increase in production is no longer as effective an alternative to a decrease in demand. If we can shift the burden of powering our infrastructure to alternative energy sources, then we will have minimized the role that fossil fuels play in powering something that is not as resilient and adaptable as the automotive industry, metaphorically quarantining oil in the automotive world. Remember: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay It is not difficult to imagine the extent to which New Jersey's — and perhaps even New England's — fishing industry would suffer if many of these offshore drilling stations were to be built. There is no doubt that the.
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