Perhaps it is not as exotic as Portugal, but a brief tour of a narrow stretch of the American West provides a remarkably accurate depiction of U.S. energy policy. Get on I-15 and drive southwest from Salt Lake City to southern California. Leave the high mountain desert, its valley of oaks and maples, geometric grids, and charmed streets. Find the palm trees, traffic, beaches, and sun. Between these points, the landscape is a tangible manifestation of our nation’s aims, goals, and aspirations when it comes to energy. Trace this route, and you have traced U.S. energy policy itself.