In the status quo, there are many different types of green alternatives: the popular options being solar energy or wind energy, and the less popular options being algae biofuel, OTEC (ocean thermal energy conversion), and even floating nuclear plants. However as appealing these green alternatives seem on face level, there are many complications to each of these green alternatives that force policymakers to stick to the energy source that is most comfortable for running the country-- burning coal or using fossil fuels.

California, as well as other states of both the coasts (east and west), has been a mass proponent of exploring with the potentials of both onshore, and now, offshore wind. In 2014, the Department of Energy has allocated $227 million dollars into offshore wind projects, with the hopes of finding a system that can power cities without dependence on fossil fuels. However, many of those projects have failed and left abandoned, as there are many wind farms abandoned off the west coast. A main reason why offshore wind (and onshore wind) is not effective is becau se wind patterns are not consistent. Offshore wind requires a backup generator (which is usually coal-powered) to keep the electricity flowing to prevent grid failure, which can devastatingly impact the local economy as well as living quality of local communities. Wind energy is also extremely expensive and most of the time inaccessible to many communities.  Although wind technology must be improved to prevent inconsistencies and guarantee a steady current powering the grid, there can be a potential solution to the price of expensive green energy of all types, not just wind energy.  I propose the idea of decentralization, which is the community/local ownership of wind farms rather than government or corporate owned wind farms. Not only will the community regulate wind power and how it is allocated in local communities, the regulation and maintenance of the wind farm opens up many local job opportunities, which can overall enhance the economy. An island off the coast of Denmark called Samso has implemented decentralized offshore wind and has proved that running on 100% electricity is possible. (Although, an island is much smaller than the entire country of the United States, but steps towards sustainability must be made). Additionally, decentralization of green energy can deconstruct the capitalist approach that commodifies nature for profit. Using the green business to maximize profit will overlook the structural consequences of green energy.

In regards to smaller green energy alternatives, the same strategy should be implemented. Local involvement in such projects will not only spur support from local communities, but offer the room for creativity and innovation that will allow small green alternative projects be scaled nationwide. A system like OTEC, which was quite recently developed and is being tested in Hawaii, should look to community involvement as much as possible to not only make green energy affordable but also try to find community solutions to distribution of energy.

Although simple, local involvement can solve a lot of the problems posed by green energy alternatives. Although the oil and fossil fuel industry seem appealing to most because of quick money, the dependency on such fossil is short-term. Thus, despite green energy being a gradual adaptation, we must focus all our energy into trying to use as much green energy when possible, even if fossil fuels presents itself more "convenient".