Saving energy can save the economy.

Economics professor Khan Mohabbat said taking advantage of alternative sources of energy can benefit the economy.

Mohabbat said developing alternative methods can benefit the economy in various ways.

“Using new sources of energy will help energy costs go down,” he said.

He said production costs are a key factor in helping the economy regarding energy.

“Reduced production costs reduce the price of goods and services,” Mohabbat said. “Which causes the prices to decrease, allowing consumers to use the other types of energy.”

Mohabbat said an increase in production also helps give people jobs.

“More production employs more, giving jobs which in turn helps the economy out,” he said.

Justen Scranton, senior electrical engineering major, said he likes the fact energy alternatives can help create jobs.

“I think it’s a good thing,” he said. “An increase in production helps give jobs and that it could help strength the economy.”

Mohabbat said there are a few alternative sources to be used in place of oil.

“Coal energy is one source competitive to oil that can [be] used,” he said. “But it’s more expensive due to its small production.”

Mohabbat also said wind energy is currently being looked at by the presidential administration which in time, he finds, could help out.

Philosophy graduate student Chris Weaver said he thinks using alternative sources of energy has its pros and cons.

“There are benefits for individuals, but using alternative forms of energy can cause problems down the road by adding to the country’s deficit,” he said.