Commentary 1
The answer given for the first answer is correct. This is because the movement of oil via pipelines is cheaper and more efficient as compared to using trucks for the same. There have been improvements in the transportation of oil via pipelines through the implementation of 57 new safety requirements to prevent leakages and explosions. According to the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL) (2013) pipelines are the most feasible and safest way to transport the enormous quantities of oil that America requires each day to keep it going. The replacement of pipelines with trucks and trains would be very expensive. The Manhattan Institute for Research (2012) adds that transportation of oil through pipelines has environmental benefits through the reduction of carbon emissions from combustion engines in trucks and trains. As such, I find the usage of pipelines to be the most effective way to transport oil across the United States and beyond.
Commentary 2
It is true that electrical distribution depends on the grid. The current US electric grid is ageing and it is vulnerable to cyber attacks. The country needs to implement a technologically sound grid to serve increased energy needs. A consolidated grid comprising of the three large interconnected companies (Eastern, Western and Texas Interconnect) enables electricity distribution companies to work jointly and provide power to people and overcome the challenges posed by geographical barriers. The system has grown into a Frankenstein system that rules over its creators, the implementation of the Smart Grid has the ability to correct multiple delivery errors and vulnerabilities that currently face the system. According to the Office of Electricity Delivery & Energy Reliability (2013), the smart grid will lead to great efficiencies in energy consumption. A number of applications can be used on the smart grid with the potential to enhance cyber-security as well as enhance the handling of renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar (Begovic, 2012). I concur that the current US electric system is unsuitable for the US and there needs to be a more responsive electric system based on a high-tech and secure smart grid.
References
" AOPL | Why Pipelines?." AOPL | Association of Oil Pipe Lines. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2013. <http://www.aopl.org/aboutPipelines/>.
"Issues 2012 | Pipelines Are Safest for Transportation of Oil and Gas." Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2013. <http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/ir_17.htm>.
"Smart Grid | Department of Energy." Energy.gov | Department of Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2013. <http://energy.gov/oe/technology-development/smart-grid>.
Begovic, M. M. (2012). Electrical transmission systems and smart grids: Selected entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology. New York: Springer.
