This course will examine how federal, state, and local politics have affected production and consumption over time. We will look at key energy policy questions facing the country, including: how oil and gas development is regulated, subsidized, and taxed; the environmental risks and economic benefits related to fracking; whether the United States is on track to become "energy independent"; the role of oil and gas production and consumption in climate change; and the potential for increased oil and gas exports from the United States. Students will need to understand the fundamentals of microeconomics, but no previous experience in energy or oil is required.
