INFORMATION LITERACY EVALUATING INFORMATION

Renewable energy resources have become a priority around the world as we grapple with the cost and limited supply of fossil fuels, not to mention the effect on the environment resulting from their use. How do we know which energy source is appropriate to invest in, with both our time and money? Do we have to give up our current standard of living if we switch to an alternative energy source?

Go to the EPA’s Clean Energy website (www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/how-clean.html). Read the information on the home page and enter your zip code in the box provided. You will then be asked to select the power company that provides energy to your community. Choose your company from the drop-down menu and continue by clicking the link View Report. Look at the Electricity Generation in Your Region graphs and read the information provided in the Make a Difference section.

Evaluate the website and work with the information to answer the following questions:

Question 23.20

Is this a reliable information source? Does it have a clear and transparent agenda?

  • Who runs this website? Do this organization’s credentials make it reliable or unreliable? Explain.

  • Who are the authors? What are their credentials? Do they have scientific background and expertise that lend credibility to the website?

Question 23.21

What fuel provides most of the energy in your region? Were you aware of this, or are you surprised?

D

Question 23.22

How does your community differ from the nation as a whole in terms of both fuel sources and emissions?

C

Question 23.23

Does your local provider offer green power options? Can you sign up to use green power? If so, describe the program and how you could participate.

A

Find an additional case study online at http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/saes2e