Our energy discussion.
Why are we avoiding the energy independence discussion? I say “discussion” and not debate because debate implies one side wins. Our energy independence is not a contest to see which side wins. It’s not about Republican or Democrats or Independents. It’s about the quality of life we want to have and the kind we will leave to the next generation.
Our so called “leaders” are avoiding this discussion like the plague. Of course they all say they have a “comprehensive” energy plan. But none of them really has a plan because if they did they would be bringing it forward. Also I start to worry when politicians add the word “comprehensive” to any plan they put forward. It generally means they are going to use a pile driver to push in a thumb tack. They try to fix a big problem with an even bigger government bureaucracy, then you have a new problem. Most of the plans put forward are centered around energy conservation. Not that they are going to conserve, you and I are going to. Do you really think any of the current presidential candidates would be affected by 5 dollar a gallon gas? That’s why none of them will have an energy plan either.
The interesting thing about conservation is that the average person can only conserve so much. We can only reduce driving by so much. We can only reduce electricity usage so much. Here is an analogy….When finances get tight most of us cut back on spending and postpone unnecessary or luxury purchases. We may stop going out for dinner or cut back on entertainment. We may stop using a housekeeper or yard maintenance service. Women may stop getting their hair and nails done, although my wife would not eat before she gave that up. But there comes a time when conservation is not enough and we have to look for another source of income or things that are necessary begin to suffer.
Our energy supply is the same. Sure we can all eventually drive a car the size of a teacup with a 2 cylinder engine that gets 60 miles to the gallon. We can replace our lights with those curly fluorescent bulbs that produce such a flattering type of light. We can reduce our thermostat to a very uncomfortable setting. But even then we will still be tied to OPEC, Venezuela or some other US hating entity for our energy supplies. Think about right now, we are paying over 3 dollars a gallon for regular gas. What do you think would happen if gas goes to 4 or 5 dollars a gallon? How will that affect your financial bottom line? What necessity will you give up then?
The time has long past that we as a country should have been having this discussion. The one where we get past all the global warming hype and the fear of offshore and Alaskan oil drilling, coal and the big “N” word, nuclear power. We have oil supplies of our own we should be tapping to relieve our reliance on foreign sources. We need to build new refineries to produce our own gas from our own oil. We have enough coal for a hundred years let’s make better use of it. While we are doing this we continue to develop high gas mileage cars, electric and others using fuel cell technology. We encourage and increase governmental support and subsidies of solar technologies for our homes. In addition we go forward with nuclear power for our electrical needs. It’s safe and it’s time we use it.
A comprehensive energy plan looks at all the resources and capabilities we have, and uses them in the safest and most productive manner we can.
This country has the technology, knowledge and the capability to solve our energy needs.
The only thing we don’t have yet is the leadership and will. Isn’t it about time we get both?