In the debate between traditional energy and renewable energy, the clear winner is renewable energy. Renewable energy is far superior to traditional energy because it reduces dependence on foreign resources, does not produce emissions and is not limited in terms of quantity. Opponents of renewable energy will likely argue that this is not the case and that, instead, traditional energy is better because it creates job growth, is reliable at all hours and in all climates, and is lower in cost. These benefits, however, are misunderstood or unlikely to outweigh the positive long-term benefits of renewable energy. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, more than half of the oil used in the United States is imported. Most of the imported oil is found in the Middle East and is controlled by OPEC members. Successive oil price shocks and price manipulation by OPEC have cost our economy dearly – about $1.9 trillion from 2004 to 2008 – and every major shock has been followed by a recession (Reduce). We may never be able to completely eliminate our need to import oil, but we can reduce cartel market control and the economic impact of price shocks by reducing our demand (Reduce). One way to reduce our dependence on oil is to invest in renewable energy. Solar, wind and hydroelectric energy are all forms of energy that come from renewable resources. Unlike oil, solar, wind and hydroelectric energy are abundant and can be obtained locally. In addition to the fact that solar, wind and hydropower are local resources, they are also emission-free resources. Emissions and pollution are a major concern for traditional energy sources. The coal plants that dominate U.S. energy production also produce more emissions than any other energy source. "Em... middle of paper......icas-future-job-growth-lies-in-traditional-energy-industries/>.Mulkern, Anne C. "Oil interests and Gas Companies Set Lobbying Spending Record in 2009." The New York Times. February 2, 2010. Web. October 18, 2011. "Reducing the Costs of Oil Dependence." Fuel Economy. States Environmental Protection Agency United, 18 October 2011. Web. 18 October 2011. "Renewable energy". Ecotrust. Rete. 18 October 2011. .Walls-Thumma, Alba. "Traditional energy sources and green energy sources | National Geographic." National Geographic. June 2011. Web. 18 October. 2011. .