Energy debates in Washington are disquieting to the careful observer. Economic myths replace science as the basis of decision making. The right believes that governmental controls disrupt energy markets while the left warns that special interests are aiming to thwart the national interest. Neither simplification stands up to economic analysis, baffling the average citizen. Yet we are all searching for solutions that lead us towards energy independence.

Part of the Wrigley Lecture Series at the Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University