Should the government give grants for alternative fuels?

Cody Albano

Should the government give grants for alternative fuels?

            Coal and gasses will not be able to run our cars and homes forever. Soon we will run out, and when we do, then what? We will have no fuel to power our cities, corporations will fall, even countries. We will be left to primitive versions of transportation. Life would never be the same for anyone again. Alternative fuels are the only option we will have. Soon it won’t be an alternative.

            However, we are not that far in research for these alternative fuels like bio-decomposition, solar and wind. Research can often times be expensive, which is why scientists, who work for not-profit organizations, are asking the government for grants. Besides grants from schools or other public entities which rarely happens, grants from the government will be the only way to keep the discoveries going. The USDA does give grants for alternative energy and they are dispersed throughout the states however. Might I remind that all of these alternative fuel options will be able to pay back eventually.

            The Government does not have a hard time sending grants, but the problem is, $5,500 isn’t going to do much in research. Plus, the grants get divided into different states, which shrinks that number even further. I understand that the US is in debt tremendously but, not to sound cheesy, it takes money to make money. A current house hold solar panel will be able to pay itself off within 20 years. If we continue research and find better and more reliable materials, we can create panels that will pay themselves in 10 years, or even 5. They will also be able to last much longer as well with very little maintenance.

Graphene is a recently discovered product that is considered a two-dimensional material. It is made entirely out of graphite atoms in a hexagonal pattern and is only one atom thick. Because of this Graphene has some amazing properties, like being a super conductor 300 times better than gold. This property is something that scientists have been looking for to apply for Solar panels. The problem is making the Graphite into its two-dimensional form. If the government were to send higher grants then they could be used for this new material for alternative energy.

            On March 15^th, President Obama announced that he is proposing to fund $2 billion for this research in a span of 10 years. This would help a significant percentage if it were to get passed. The main purpose for this fund is to help with research for alternative fuels in cars and vehicles and find sources that can be used instead of coal and oils. The problem with it passing is that democrats are for these alternative fuels where as republicans feel the need to fund off shore drilling and oil rigs. The main point Obama is trying to make to convince both parties is that this is a jobs-creation opportunity. Most democrats are for this but very few republicans are which is why it is critical to have them agree to the terms.

            In an overview since, Alternative fuel is needed to continue as a country. We will not be able to survive as a whole when we run out of oil and coal. As long as enough grants are sent for research of solar panels and wind turbines and such, soon these alternative fuels will not be the alternative.