Our power demands are increasing faster than our production of energy. And we have been reminded unpleasantly that we are dependent upon foreign sources for 57 percent of our oil. It is anticipated that by the year 2020, our dependence upon foreign oil will be 65 percent if we don't take remedial steps. We aren't building nuclear generating plants any more. The old coal-burning steam plants that generate electricity are not only obsolete, but are subjects of lawsuits over pollution.
Natural gas is efficient and clean but limited.
You may see a few solar panels here and there. And windmills are exotic, but are unsightly if you see a huge forest of them. There will be no single solution. Our needs will require a combination of many answers. The current oil situation should emphasize the immediate need to establish a broad, far-ranging energy policy.