What is going on with America’s energy crisis? If you don’t know what’s happening with it, I will be the person to provide you with the information! I found most of my information here!  (https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2026/04/03/americans-shifting-views-on-energy-issues/)  

To start, the first key takeaway from the article stated that, “Republicans and Republican-leaning independents who say the country should prioritize oil, coal and natural gas over wind and solar power has doubled to 71% over the last six years.” Which isn’t a bad thing because we do need to focus on those resources but in the long run I feel as if we should switch to wind and solar power so we can save those resources.  

The second key takeaway from the article stated that, “Majority of Republicans see wind and solar power as less reliable than other energy sources and decreasing shares of Republicans say wind and solar energy is better for the environment.” Switching to wind and solar power/energy would be better for our environment. 

The third key takeaway from the article stated that, “An overwhelming majority of Democrats continue to prioritize wind and solar power and say the federal government should encourage their development.” This is something I can agree on; it also helps the environment. 

The article goes on talking about which is the bigger priority: increasing renewable energy or fossil fuels. And it says that Americans would most likely choose increasing renewable energy over fossil fuels, but that share has dropped from 79% in 2020 to 57% today. But it seems as though, those people who would choose increasing renewable energy over fossil fuels are Republicans. Because back in 2020, majority of Republicans including those who lean towards the Republican Party said that the focus should be on renewables which was 65% of the Republican Party. Now, only 28% of those people still have that opinion but now it’s 71% saying that the focus should be on fossil fuels.  

Democrats and Democratic listeners which is 83% say that the country should prioritize developing wind and solar production. Although that share has died down a bit in the last few years.  

So far, wind and solar seem to be attracting the most support with about two-thirds, which is 65%. While coal mining attracts the least support with more saying the government should discourage (36%) the activity than encourage it (27%). “In 2022, a slim majority (54%) of Republicans supported government policies to encourage production of these renewable sources. In four years, that has dropped 10 percentage points to 44%.” “An overwhelming majority of Democrats (85%) continue to say the federal government should encourage the production of wind and solar power.” In my perspective I’m glad that wind and solar have been getting more attractive and support because it’s best for us. It’s safer rather than going through oil, coal, and/or natural gasses that we won’t always have. 

Now for oil and gas drilling, 62% of Republicans say that the federal government should encourage oil and gas drilling, and that percentage went up 11 points since January 2022. While 8% of Republicans say the federal government should discourage the oil and gas drilling. And for coal mining, 45% of Republicans say that the federal government should encourage coal mining, and that percentage went up 13 points just in four years. While 14% of Republicans say that the federal government should discourage coal mining.  

Now, onto nuclear power. “Slightly more than half of Republicans (54%) and 38% of Democrats now say the federal government should encourage production of nuclear power.” Those shares are larger than what they were in 2022. Nuclear power shouldn’t be used; it’s dangerous to not only humans but animals and the planet. It’s also radioactive and it causes air pollution.   

I interviewed Mr. Teter on this subject, and this is what he said, “The current war with Iran effects our energy and it completely guts our oil. We are in a transitional period with energy as well. We know where to get oil, but we don’t know how to get it. We are so profit driven rather than strategic about our energy. Places like China and Japan are an example of being strategic with their energy.” 

Realistically, I hope that we manage to fix our energy crisis so that it’s stabilized. We shouldn’t bring our political preferences into a situation that the whole United States is worried about. Wind and solar power/energy should be used more often rather than oil, coal, and natural gas. It’s better for the planet and we can save our resources.