The surfacing energy crisis in America calls for a re-evaluation of our policies, practices, and infrastructure. Time and again we read of supply and demand economics driving the direction of policy. An alternative view, suggesting policy shapes the economy indicates that there are more issues to be tackled than just maintaining the supply for the demand.

The petroleum industry has tightened its fist around our everyday activities. It is their inherent drive for distributing scarcity that brings us to the present situation. What we see is a classic case of diminishing options and expanding uses. Allow me to explain. Energy in America is petroleum based. Surely there is nuclear, wind, water and solar power production, but these choices are not readily available to the consumer. Rather, fossil fuel energy is the mainstay in regulatory economics. Furthermore, as the current argument unravels, the energy supply is low since our only option reinforces high demand.

Supply and demand economics have for too long emphasized the augmentation of supply in a limited market. Expanding our nation's infrastructure into the realm of alternative energies, we can then control demand by offering options. Smarter policy would advocate lessening demand. However, as long as fuel magnates (i.e. Exxon, Shell, etc.) hold on to invaluable patents for alternative energy, sitting idly on petroleum until ground zero when supply is too scarce, our nation's infrastructure will be in for a greater shock. We are ill prepared for a foreseeable future. We must implement actual choice, not perceived choice.