In this election year, energy policy is a hot-button issue. Every candidate seems to be talking about breaking free of foreign oil and developing a comprehensive energy policy. In A Declaration of Energy Independence, Jay Hakes delves deep into the energy debate. He examines the issue from every possible angle and offers a number of compelling arguments.
Jay Hakes is the former head of the Energy Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Energy. This self-described “policy wonk” brings a certain gravitas to the issue of energy independence and policy. Hakes takes a non-partisan approach to his subject, which works well for this type of book.
Hakes begins by reviewing the history of America’s involvement with foreign oil. The first part of the book is devoted to the history of American energy policy. Its turns out that there has been very little in the way of American energy policy. Most attempts to form a substantive policy have died slow, painful deaths on Capitol Hill. Hakes presents a detailed review of how America became dependent on foreign oil and the subsequent energy crises. The history is interesting. I didn’t live through the gas lines of the 1970s, so this is my first energy crisis. I enjoyed learning how past administrations dealt with energy issues; it gave me a fresh perspective on the current problem.
This book includes quite a lesson in economics. Hakes spends considerable time explaining the basic laws of economics. Then he describes how oil simply does not conform to the basic rules. The economics discussion does get a bit complicated, but it is definitely worth reading. It makes the next section of the book much easier to follow.
Hakes offers a number of potential solutions to break free of foreign oil. His suggestions are rooted in science and stem from his years at the Department of Energy. Some of his solutions could easily be implemented today. One of the simplest (and most viable) ideas is making energy conservation a patriotic duty. Past administrations have compared energy crises to war, and this strategy would definitely follow the pattern. This makes it an easy sell to politicians. It could also inspire regular people to actually get involved in energy conservation. Some of Hakes’ other solutions seem simplistic but interesting nonetheless. He clearly knows quite a bit about alternative fuels and their real costs.
Hakes offers solutions, not complaints. He never bemoans the lack of energy policy; he simply presents the history. Hakes also describes the energy policies of other industrialized nations. He blends science and politics seamlessly in his potential solutions. He even explains the arguments on both ends of the political spectrum.
Energy
policy is a complex issue, but Jay Hakes deftly explains it in A Declaration of Energy Independence.
His style is clear and concise. The
nonpartisan approach should appeal to readers
of every political stripe, and Hakes’ grasp of the scientific,
political, and
economic aspects lend credibility to his arguments.
This is a fascinating look at a complex issue
that affects every American.