Date of Creation
5-14-2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Abstract
This research focuses on the effects of energy policy in the United States. Because of the impacts of energy production and transmissions emissions, energy policy has become synonymous with climate policy. As such, there seems to be two schools of thought regarding energy policy. On the one hand, “green” energy policies have been endorsed for their potential to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on non-renewable resources. On the other, continuing to use legacy energy sources, namely fossil fuels, has been endorsed for its affordability and ease of use through existing infrastructure. At the federal level, green policies have been embraced by liberal leaders, most recently with the Inflation Reduction Act assigning $370 billion to invest in renewable and sustainable energy sources. Pro-fossil fuel policy can be associated with President Trump’s recent litany of Executive Orders which he claims will allow America to “drill baby drill.” States have similarly embraced these two ends of the energy policy spectrum. However, as government control changes, and different governments dispute and challenge one another’s policies, energy policy across the country seems to swing back and forth between these two ends.
Recommended Citation
Marcaccio, Matthew James, "How the United States has Failed to Enact Competitive and Stable Energy Policy Through Federalism" (2025). Washington Semester Program. 223.
https://crossworks.holycross.edu/washington/223