Policy in Conflict: The Struggle Between Environmental Policy and Homeland Security Goals
Abstract
Since the 1970s, every American president and many Congressional leaders have called for national energy independence as a top policy priority. Among many reasons the United States (U.S.) has been unable to deliver on this goal over four decades are certain environmental policies that may tend to inhibit efficiency in fuel consumption of vehicles. This study examines the unintended consequences of certain environmental policies for American homeland security. The analyses suggest that some environmental policies may have a deleterious effect on the ability of the United States to achieve a level of energy efficiency in the transportation sector that could contribute to achieving national energy security. This study suggests ways to achieve a level of sustainable energy security by reducing consumption in the most important petroleum consuming sector, that of automobile transportation. Some U.S. oil dollars may be directly supporting terrorist organizations or, at a minimum, go toward supporting the spread of radical Islamic Salafism that is inimical to U.S. and Western interests. This inquiry examines evidence to show that America s continuing dependence on other foreign oil, especially oil from the Middle East, is perilous to homeland security and compels limits to U.S. freedom of action in foreign affairs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589915
Entities
People
- Daniel R. Cowden
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School