Sunset on an empire

This abandoned oil rig was just off the side of the road in northern New Mexico.  It had been cast aside - perhaps it was broken or the oil dried up.  The sunset was creating all these dramatic colors, which I find it often does in the West.  I wonder why that is?  Anyways, this shot got me thinking about our dependence on foreign oil and the need for renewable energy, and more importantly the implications if we do not get something done soon.  Hence, the title of the photo.