Government grants for alternative energy - Research Proposal Example

Research Proposal Government Grants for Alternative Energy Research of Research Proposal Government Grants for Alternative Energy Research Scope and Nature of the Problem Fossil fuels have become problematic in the environment because they are not sustainable. The challenge is that people are very dependent on fossil fuels for all that they do. Fossil fuels usually have oil at their base. According to The White House, “Our addiction to foreign oil and fossil fuels puts our economy, our national security and our environment at risk”.

Because of this, it is important for the United States to find alternative means of energy that are sustainable, and that create less dependence on foreign oil and other fossil fuels. President Obama has instituted a variety of measures that will cut down on the carbon emissions that influence climate change (Obama, 2010). Many people suggest that without an alternative method of fuel, the nation as we know it will change. Al Gore has presented information about how global warming is influencing the world as it is known today, and suggests that something must be done in order to slow the process down.

Shown in these descriptions are the facts that there are many issues that must be addressed when looking at the world and how it currently uses fuel. If sustainable energies can be discovered and used, the world would be able to sustain itself better in the long run. Specific Claim Alternative fuels can promote a healthier environment and can create a more sustainable world. With the help of government grants to sponsor climate research, many more researchers can have the opportunity to identify those fuels that could help the environment.

The discovery of these grants will be an opportunity to understand who is eligible to help in this endeavor and the amount of money that is being presented. Justification of The Claim Since President Obama took office, sustainable fuels have been a concern. He has adopted several policies that have addressed this issue. A few of the policies he has enacted include: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $80 to generate renewable energy sources, expand the opportunity for manufacturers to provide clean energy technology and to advance several other aspects of energy renewal; this also created jobs in sustainable energy.

The Obama Administration also created more stipulations on commercial and residential appliances so that they became more energy efficient (Obama, 2010). Method of Data Collection The data that will be collected will be from websites and journal articles that show the various government grants that are available and what these grants are proposed to do. The information will include who is eligible for these grants, the amount of money they will provide and the length of time that these grants are available; the information will also contain when the grants will be dispersed and the length of time that they will be provided.

Preliminary Findings Government grants are provided on many levels. There are some references that show that biofuels are being developed as one type of alternative to fossil fuels. Yacobucci (2009) reports on Ethanol and biodiesel fuels as two alternative methods. Saunders (2011) provides a list of grants that are available for alternative energy use for states and city governments. Generally speaking, those people looking for grants will have to be a nonprofit organization or they will need to be a part of a university or other research facility that is already providing research.

There also needs to be education for people around this subject. References Guggenheim, D. (Director). Gore, A. (performer). (2006). An inconvenient truth. [DVD] Obama, B. (2010). Energy & Environment. The White House. Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/energy-and-environment/ Saunders, M. (ed.). (2011). Renewable energy research and development. Department of Energy. Retrieved from http://www.topgovernmentgrants.com/cfda.php?CFDANumber=81.087 Yacobucci, B.D. (2009). Biofuels Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs: R40110.

Congressional Research Service: Report; 1/5/2009, preceding p1-16. Retrieved from Green File database.