Prepare: Read Chapters 5 and 6 in Environmental Policies and all required resources as listed in the Student Course Guide.

Reflect: Energy is the lifeblood of a modern world. Energy powers our homes, our businesses, and our economy. However, energy is not free or easily acquired in many parts of the world. Most energy sources require extraction, transportation, and refinement before it is usable in our contemporary economies. Fortunately, we have available two very important categories of energy sources:  non-renewable and renewable energy sources. You are probably much more familiar with the non-renewable sources of energy that traditionally include oil, gas, and coal. These sources are very important but they are also problematic from many aspects to include environmental, economic, and health concerns. As a result, energy experts are now focused on new sources of energy from renewable sources that are less problematic, especially from an environmental aspect.

Write: You will be assigned to research a specific renewable energy source based on the first letter of your last name. 

• If your last name begins with A, B, C, D, or E, you must research solar energy.

In your initial post of at least 250 words, using the required resources and any additional credible resources that would enhance the strength of your argument, complete the following:

• Describe one economic and one environmental challenge associated with your assigned energy source.
• Compare the supply side and demand side issues related to your assigned energy source.
• Describe one policy that would ensure your assigned energy source would be a major energy source for the USA in the next 50 years.