America needs to consider alternative energy sources and conservation to reduce the country's dependence on Middle Eastern oil

This paper analyzes America's dependence on foreign oil and considers what can be done to decrease this large problem. It then investigates the two solutions of developing alternative energy sources and increasing conservation to determine which method is best for reducing oil dependence. The analysis considers cost, probability of success and percentage of oil that can be saved and determines that both solutions are desirable because the problem is so enormous. Policy recommendations are made to eliminate subsidies of the petroleum industry and possibly raise gas taxes if the revenues are used to encourage conservation and increase alternative energy sources.