Presentation: Energy & Environmental Policy
Examine the key facets and challenges related to environmental policy.
Examine the key facets and challenges related to energy policy.
Evaluate how these two policy areas may or may not have competing goals.
Evaluate the above with a Biblical model of government and statesmanship.
Some challenges we continue to face are the product of neglect and historic lack of public
concern with unintended consequences of economic growth and development of an
industrialized society we live in. The society’s interest in renewable energy and environmental
policies are continuing to increase, and at the same time the critics are voicing their concerns
about electricity, energy efficiency, climate change, oil and natural gas, and their desire of
economic growth. The joining and abundance of energy and environmental damage from
extraction has regularly been the focus of political entities and has resulted in an array of policies
that have sought to both promote growth and regulate energy production.
Climate change is one of the most serious problems we are facing in civilization today. It is
impacting our infrastructure, water supply, agriculture, public health, natural resources and
ecosystems. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, changes in agriculture, land use management,
forestry, and transportation and communities can rapidly and substantially reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. These strategies can also stimulate numerous economic, national security, public
health and environmental benefits. A healthy climate and a healthy economy go hand in hand, as
such; transforming energy infrastructures, transportation and communities’ systems and designs
will create new opportunities for the society (entrepreneurs) and put people back to work.
Society is aware that Fossil Fuels are not cheap. The environmental, and other costs paid by
society are taken into account. If the authority/government or who is in power corrects this
market failure and provides clear, long term price signals that reflects true energy costs,
consumers will quickly shift toward more energy efficient, and renewable energy choices.
Protecting the environment is a Biblical mandate. It should be a safe place for us and our
children, and not a threat to our lives. Society should not be worried about the policy decisions
where politicians spend money in a way that will ensure a successful reelection in their district.
The government should follow the word of God and actually adequately exhibit enough self-
discipline to balance the budget.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which
God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently,
whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who
do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for
those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is
right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if
you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants,
agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the
authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience (Romans:
13). Jesus himself said (Romans:13) there's a clear provision for the role of the state in society
today that does not go away, and energy and environmental policy does relate to protecting our
life liberty and property.
References
Cochran, Clarke E., et al. 2016. American Public Policy: An Introduction. 11th ed. Boston:
Cengage. ISBN: 9781285869773.
Fischer, Kahlib. 2021. Presentation. Biblical Principles of Energy & Environmental Policy
(Lecture in PLCY 700. Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA.)
“Environmental and Energy Study Institute.” Https://Www.eesi.org/Goals, Environmental and
Energy Study Institute.
Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright (2011) by Biblical, Inc. All rights
reserved worldwide.
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