Global Energy – Who Will Be In Charge?

Part 1: Why “Big Dumb Rocks” Matter

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America’s most advanced technology—from smartphones and electric vehicles to fighter jets and submarines—depends on basic raw materials pulled from the Earth. These materials, called critical minerals, include lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements. They are essential not just for everyday life, but for clean energy, the economy, and national defense.

The problem is that the United States relies heavily on foreign countries—often unstable or hostile ones—for these minerals. China, in particular, controls most of the world’s rare earth mining and nearly all of the refining capacity. This gives adversaries leverage over U.S. supply chains, military readiness, and manufacturing.

While the U.S. is exploring solutions like diplomacy, recycling, new mining technology, and domestic production, none offer a quick fix. Until the critical minerals problem is solved, America remains economically and strategically vulnerable.

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Pre-view Questions – Use these questions to activate your curiosity and gauge your baseline understanding.

Before You Watch: Rare Earths and the Fight for the Future

1 / 4

Which of the following best predicts a national security risk discussed in the video?

A shortage of engineers

Overproduction of consumer electronics

Dependence on foreign-controlled mineral supply chains

Rising labor costs in the U.S.

2 / 4

What does the phrase “critical minerals” most likely mean in this context?

Minerals that are rare but not widely used

Minerals essential to the economy and national defense

Minerals used only in renewable energy

Minerals found only in the United States

3 / 4

Why might clean energy technologies increase mineral demand?

They require more electricity to operate

They use older, less efficient materials

They depend heavily on metals like copper and rare earths

They are designed to replace all fossil fuels immediately

4 / 4

Why might a high-tech society still depend on “low-tech” resources?

Technology only works if it uses renewable energy

Advanced devices are built from mined raw materials

Computers require fossil fuels to operate

Minerals are easier to recycle than electronics

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Post-Viewing Questions – Use these questions to assess your understanding of the video’s key points and to help reinforce your understanding of the main messages.

After You Watch: Rare Earths and the Fight for the Future

1 / 10

What is the main reason the assembly line, fighter jet, and satellite are at risk in the opening of the video?

Lack of skilled workers

Government budget cuts

Foreign control of required minerals

Obsolete technology

2 / 10

Why does the video argue that mineral supply affects America’s future power?

Minerals determine population growth

Whoever controls minerals controls advanced manufacturing

Minerals are replacing oil entirely

Mining is the fastest-growing industry

3 / 10

Which example best shows how minerals impact everyday life?

Internet access depends on satellites

Smartphones require bauxite and copper

Cars depend on gasoline prices

Homes rely on Wi-Fi networks

4 / 10

Why does the clean energy transition increase pressure on mineral supplies?

Renewable energy requires rare fuels

Clean energy reduces recycling options

It requires unprecedented levels of mining

It depends on minerals that no longer exist

5 / 10

What makes rare earth elements strategically dangerous to depend on?

They are difficult to transport

They are mostly used for consumer products

One country dominates mining and refining

They can be replaced easily

6 / 10

Why is China’s control of rare earth refining especially important?

Refining determines how much profit is made

Mining without refining is unusable

Refining requires more labor than mining

Refining increases environmental damage

7 / 10

How did China demonstrate its leverage over mineral supply chains in 2025?

By increasing prices through tariffs

By banning U.S. mining companies

By restricting exports of rare earths

By nationalizing foreign companies

8 / 10

Which consequence best shows how mineral shortages affect civilian industries?

Smartphone prices increased slightly

Ford shut down plants for weeks

EV sales doubled

Recycling rates increased

9 / 10

Why is expanding domestic mining in the U.S. difficult?

There are no mineral reserves

Mining technology is outdated

Permitting and regulatory delays take years

Workers refuse mining jobs

10 / 10

What is the video’s central conclusion?

Conflict with China is unavoidable

Clean energy is too expensive

Mineral dependence makes the U.S. vulnerable

Technology no longer drives global power

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Part 2: How Americans Stays in Charge of Our Energy Future

While unreliable wind and solar are growing fast and play a role in the global energy mix, affordable, reliable, and clean nuclear and natural gas remain the keys to keeping control of our American energy independence.

Consider:

Natural gas leads U.S. electricity generation.
Nuclear contributes a significant clean portion of electricity and helps reduce reliance on coal and oil, even as renewables expand.

We Stay On Top With Nuclear Power

Nuclear is basically the boss-level clean energy source nobody told you about.

Key points:

Nuclear produces zero carbon emissions during operation.
Provides 20% of U.S. electricity but 50% of America’s clean, emission-free electricity.
Nuclear plants run 92% of the time—making them the most reliable energy tech on Earth.
(Wind averages ~35%, solar ~25%.)
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) = next-gen nuclear: safer, smaller, cheaper, deployable anywhere.

Why it matters globally:

China is building more than 20 new reactors, expanding fast.
Russia supplies ~20% of the world’s nuclear fuel, giving it geopolitical leverage.
The U.S. must lead to stay competitive and secure.

WATCH

Watch the short video that follows that illustrates why in America nuclear energy is a key untapped resource for reducing carbon emissions.

Post-Viewing Questions – Use these questions to assess your understanding of the video’s key points and to help reinforce your understanding of the main messages.

After You Watch: The Untapped Potential of Nuclear Energy

1 / 6

According to the video, which comparison best illustrates the efficiency advantage of nuclear power over fossil fuels?

A uranium pellet produces the same power as a rooftop solar array operating for one month.

A uranium pellet equals the energy of 120 gallons of oil, 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas, or one ton of coal.

One ton of coal produces twice as much energy as a uranium pellet.

A wind turbine produces the same energy per acre as a nuclear plant.

2 / 6

Which inference does the video draw from the decline in U.S. reactor count despite massive renewable investment?

Renewables have replaced nuclear as the main baseload power source.

Wind and solar are sufficient to completely cover rising electricity demand.

Nuclear remains a major electricity source even with fewer plants than renewables.

The U.S. is rapidly expanding nuclear at the same pace as China and India.

3 / 6

What reasoning does the video use to argue that closing nuclear plants increases carbon emissions?

Shuttering nuclear reduces electricity demand, forcing fossil fuels to ramp up.

Nuclear plants emit more CO₂ when they age, so shutting them down improves outcomes.

Nuclear baseload power cannot be replaced by intermittent renewables, so fossil fuels fill the gap.

Nuclear waste disposal increases carbon output when plants close.

4 / 6

Which statement best captures the video’s claim about nuclear safety relative to public perception?

Public fears are outdated but still supported by recent accident data.

Nuclear accidents have caused mass deaths, validating long-standing concerns.

Research shows nuclear is among the safest energy sources, contradicting major stereotypes.

Safety concerns persist because modern reactors are less reliable than older ones.

5 / 6

Why does the video suggest that the U.S. risks falling behind globally in nuclear energy?

U.S. regulators have banned new nuclear designs until 2035.

Other countries are building dozens of reactors while U.S. construction remains at zero.

The U.S. lacks uranium reserves to compete with China and India.

U.S. public opinion remains strongly anti-nuclear.

6 / 6

What key argument does the video make about building new nuclear infrastructure?

Modern plants are significantly cheaper to build than those from the 1960s.

Longer build times and higher costs today are primarily due to more complex regulation.

The U.S. has shifted to small modular reactors, eliminating regulatory issues.

Nuclear construction is slow because the technology is still experimental.

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We Stay On Top With Natural Gas

Natural gas is the unsung clean-up crew.

Key points:

Natural gas produces half the CO₂ of coal for the same electricity.
Switching from coal to gas is responsible for over 60% of the U.S. carbon emissions drop since 2005 (EPA + EIA).
Power plants can turn natural gas on/off instantly—perfect for backing up wind and solar.
Over the last decade, natural gas made U.S. energy cheaper, lowering household electricity costs.

Why it matters globally:

Europe’s reliance on Russia for natural gas allowed Russia to apply political and economic pressure.
The U.S. being the #1 natural gas producer in the world protects American families from that vulnerability.
Exported U.S. LNG (liquefied natural gas) helps allies avoid depending on hostile nations.

WATCH

Watch the following short video as it illustrates why natural gas is the heart of America’s electric power system and is necessary for American energy independence

Post-Viewing Questions – Use these questions to assess your understanding of the video’s key points and to help reinforce your understanding of the main messages.

After You Watch: Natural Gas is the Heart of America's Electric Power System

1 / 7

Which statement BEST captures the video’s explanation for why Russia felt empowered to invade Ukraine in 2022?

Russia believed NATO would not respond militarily.

Europe’s energy dependence on Russian natural gas limited Europe’s ability to apply pressure.

Russia had recently increased its military spending by 30%.

Global sanctions against Russia were already weakening prior to the invasion.

2 / 7

What does the video suggest is the primary reason natural gas became the fuel of choice for electricity generation?

Government mandates required its use.

Competitive markets favored its affordability and performance.

Public opinion forced utilities to adopt it.

Renewable energy sources failed entirely.

3 / 7

According to the video, what has improved the reliability and resilience of America’s electric power system?

Increased government control of energy markets.

Reduced electricity usage by consumers.

The flexibility of natural gas-powered electricity generation.

The elimination of competitive energy markets.

4 / 7

How does the video explain the importance of natural gas in supporting modern electricity demand?

Natural gas stores electricity for long periods.

Natural gas generators can quickly adjust output as demand and renewable supply change.

Natural gas eliminates the need for an electric grid.

Natural gas only operates during emergencies.

5 / 7

Why does the video credit natural gas with helping reduce U.S. carbon emissions from electricity generation?

It emits no carbon dioxide at all.

It has replaced all coal and nuclear energy.

Its increased use in electricity generation has lowered emissions to near 30-year lows.

It prevents electricity demand from increasing.

6 / 7

What major economic impact of natural gas does the video highlight?

It reduces the need for manufacturing in the U.S.

It increases energy imports from other countries.

It lowers consumer costs while fueling manufacturing and job creation.

It replaces electricity as the primary energy source.

7 / 7

According to the video, why is natural gas described as playing a “leading role” in America’s energy landscape?

It is the only energy source used in the U.S.

It is abundant, affordable, reliable, and widely used for electricity generation.

It requires no infrastructure to distribute.

It has completely replaced renewable energy.

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Part 3: Being in Charge of American Energy Distribution Keeps Us Safe and Independent

Pipes Solve Problems

WATCH

Watch the following short video as it illustrates why pipelines are the safest, most cost efficient, and carbon friendly way to distribute oil and gas in America.

Post-Viewing Questions – Use these questions to assess your understanding of the video’s key points and to help reinforce your understanding of the main messages.

After You Watch: Pipe Dreams: How America Gets Energy

1 / 15

According to the video, the arrival of Russian natural gas in Boston Harbor illustrates which broader point?

U.S. domestic production of natural gas has sharply declined.

The United States is running out of natural gas storage capacity.

Local opposition to pipelines can force the U.S. to import energy from geopolitical rivals.

U.S. ports prefer to buy the cheapest fuel available, regardless of origin.

2 / 15

What is the video’s core argument about canceling pipelines and carbon emissions?

Canceling pipelines eliminates the emissions associated with petroleum and natural gas.

Pipelines produce more emissions than all other transportation methods combined.

Blocking pipelines simply shifts where and how fuels are transported, without reducing overall demand or emissions.

Building more pipelines will increase global carbon emissions by increasing fossil-fuel demand.

3 / 15

Based on the video, which transportation method is presented as the MOST practical and safe for moving fuel across the U.S.?

Boats, because they spill the lowest percentage of transported oil.

Trucks, because they are the most flexible and common form of energy transport.

Pipelines, because they have low spill rates and can reach all regions, including landlocked states.

Trains, because they are faster and emit fewer pollutants.

4 / 15

Why did Boston residents pay 400% more for natural gas in January 2022 compared to nearby Pennsylvanians?

Pennsylvania imposed an interstate energy tax on New England.

Boston experienced severe infrastructure damage that winter.

Global LNG prices surged due to heightened geopolitical risk.

Massachusetts blocked a pipeline from Pennsylvania, forcing Boston to import gas from expensive overseas sources.

5 / 15

Which conclusion does the video suggest about the future of U.S. energy use?

The U.S. will be nearly 100% renewable within 20 years.

The majority of U.S. energy will still come from natural gas and petroleum for decades.

Pipelines will become obsolete as energy demand declines.

Electricity storage will eliminate the need for hydrocarbons entirely by 2040.

6 / 15

According to the interview, what triggered a nationwide rise in electricity prices?

The decline of nuclear power generation.

Premature retirement of coal plants without replacing them with affordable natural gas.

A federal mandate expanding battery storage.

Increased consumer demand due to electrification.

7 / 15

Which factor is cited as a “hidden cost” of wind and solar in the script?

High water consumption during operations.

Short operational lifespans.

The need for expensive, long transmission lines.

Requirements for rare-earth recycling programs.

8 / 15

In the script, why must natural gas plants “cycle in the background” when wind and solar are used?

To stabilize voltage because wind and solar overproduce at night.

To meet federal carbon offset rules.

To provide backup due to wind and solar’s minute-to-minute intermittency.

To reduce sulfur emissions from renewables.

9 / 15

Which energy source does the script state would be most expensive if used to “build out the grid”?

Coal

Nuclear

Wind

Hydro

10 / 15

When discussing environmental impact, the interview argues that natural gas outperforms wind and solar primarily because:

It has lower land-use demands and avoids rare-earth mineral pollution.

It produces no carbon emissions.

It is fully renewable.

It requires no pipelines or extraction.

11 / 15

According to the script, what national security concern is associated with wind and solar technologies?

They require military transport to install.

China controls mining, refining, and assembly of key components.

Wind turbine noise interferes with radar systems.

Solar farms make the grid easier to hack due to open layouts.

12 / 15

What additional threat does the script claim exists within Chinese-exported solar and electrical equipment?

Built-in time-delay fuses that degrade grid efficiency.

Components that automatically shut down during peak demand.

Embedded “kill switches” enabling remote shutdown.

Chipsets that alter voltage without regulation.

13 / 15

Why does the script claim battery storage cannot currently make wind/solar fully reliable?

Batteries increase carbon emissions.

Existing battery technology can only cover about 12 hours, not multiple days.

Batteries are incompatible with renewable transmission lines.

Federal law restricts multi-day battery storage.

14 / 15

What future challenge does the federal government forecast that strengthens the case for ARC-based policy?

A decline in nuclear engineering graduates.

A drop in wind turbine production.

Higher risk of blackouts due to massive new electricity demand.

Wind and solar subsidies expiring nationwide.

15 / 15

What conclusion does the script draw about the alignment between affordability, reliability, and environmental outcomes?

The cleanest sources are always the most expensive.

Sources that are most affordable and reliable often also have strong environmental performance.

Environmental metrics and affordability cannot be evaluated together.

Reliability is unrelated to environmental impact.

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Module 1: Why Energy Matters
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Module 2: Why Affordable Energy Matters
Lesson (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (Test)

Module 3: Why Reliable Energy Matters
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Module 4: Why Clean Energy Matters
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Module 6: Finals & What’s Next?
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BENERGY Module 5: Lesson 2

Global Energy – Who Will Be In Charge?

Part 1: Why “Big Dumb Rocks” Matter

Read

Watch

Part 2: How Americans Stays in Charge of Our Energy Future

Consider:

We Stay On Top With Nuclear Power

WATCH

We Stay On Top With Natural Gas

WATCH

Part 3: Being in Charge of American Energy Distribution Keeps Us Safe and Independent

Pipes Solve Problems

WATCH

Natural Gas is Clean: Blue the Energy Truth Bear

Another Cold January: Blue the Energy Truth Bear