Oil production
I agree with your first idea of finding and develop more domestic supplies of oil which means that we have to rely on our mode of production of oil. The USA is capable of relying on other sources rather than convectional oil since we are also the largest consumer as is stated in the book. This will help the government to ensure has concern on the environment as EPA by using appropriate technologies that effects enhance safer modes of production. As per what we have studied in this book, it makes me oppose your second idea of relying on nuclear energy as a considerable option. In the statistic provided by the book states that nuclear energy has a low net energy yield. This is in comparison to the cost of construction, management, and storage and disposal of radioactive materials produced in a plant. If we heavily rely on nuclear power we might have long term effects as we increase the radioactive waste generated increases result would be more negative to the human race.
Secondly, I agree with you on the fact that increasing tax levied on imported gasoline and oil will trigger and affect consumers to have moderate approaches to use available resources effectively. This can be done by ensuring we adopt hybrid automobile that consumes less fuel hence effective on conservation of energy but also environmental friendly. This also helps us to focus on other conventional sources of energy which might be more effective than oil. Wastage observed in oil and gas can be tamed if consumers are pinched a bit by the cost and in future people will adopt a more conventional approach such as solar energy to heat our homes rather than gas.
Finally, I support the idea that we should harness renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, geothermal, organic ethanol among others. This will help us to focus mainly on sustaining our environment and reduce the consummation of nonrenewable resources that cannot be replenished in our lifetime. I support your idea to focus on solar and wind energy which will help reduces greenhouse gases that will help us have a sustainable globe.