Energy independence has been a goal for each of the presidential administrations since Richard Nixon in the 1970s (“U.S. Inches Toward Goal of Energy Independence,” The New York Times, March 22, 2012). But the increased focus on alternative energy sources, such as natural gas, wind, water, and solar, along with greater emphasis on fuel-saving technology (hybrid and plug-in cars) has only taken on greater significance in the last decade. How does achieving energy independence contribute to labor productivity and economic growth?