Why Sanctions Against Iran Are Good For The Environment

It’s been all over the news – U.S. announced it will no longer exempt countries from its oil sanctions against Iran.

This is in addition to the sanctions imposed earlier this year which significantly reduced Iran’s production.

When there is a disruption, or potential disruption to oil supply, prices change. You've probably noticed increased prices at the gas pump this week. Following these announcements, U.S. oil producers showed increases in production, which then causes prices to begin declining.

​The price of crude oil is largely out of our control and is certainly volatile. 

Events like this strengthen the case for a wider shift away from internal combustion engines and hydrocarbons in favor of electric transportation and renewable energy.

When thinking about EVs, the first that comes to mind is probably Tesla. The industry also includes electric buses, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, boats and construction equipment. Anything that runs on gasoline or diesel can be replaced by battery electric vehicles.

This transition is happening. As EV adoption increases, renewable energy generation like wind, solar and hydro grow with it, as does the need for energy storage (batteries)

​This does not mean all fossil fuel production and usage should end tomorrow and renewables and EVs will take over. We certainly need energy to power our world today.

So, why are sanctions against Iran good for the environment? Because volatile oil prices make the shift to electric transportation and renewable energy even easier. Renewable energy generated in the United States, maintained by U.S. workers and used to power our transportation needs is not only critical for the environment, but necessary for our national interests.

​EVs, renewable energy and battery storage will continue to grow in tandem, build a cleaner future, and providing greater control over domestic energy needs.