Thomas Sowell

Thomas Sowell is an economist and a nationally syndicated columnist. In the following viewpoint, Sowell contends that energy shortages cannot be prevented by transitioning to renewable energy alternatives. For one thing, such alternatives to fossil fuels are expensive and too inefficient to power large states such as California, he contends. In addition, Sowell argues that governmental regulations cause energy shortages by making the construction of new power plants too expensive, and he claims that only by privatizing the energy industry can energy crises be averted.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How do price controls affect energy shortages, according to Sowell"
2. According to the author, what happens when governments regulate industries such as the electricity market"
3. In Sowell’s opinion, why don’t electricity industry workers support the idea of using renewable...