Energy

“It would be little short of disastrous for us to discover a source of clean, cheap, abundant energy because of what we might do with it.” Amory Lovins Mother Earth 1977

“(This would be) the worse thing that could happen to our planet.” Jeremy Rifkin

“Giving society cheap abundant energy . . . would be the equivalent of giving an idiot child a machine gun.” Paul Ehrlich Public Interest Report 1978

How could they possibly say things like that unless their intention is total control instead of environmental protection? Most of us realize that we need energy to keep our world going in its present state. We like cars and planes, boats and trains, TV and electric stoves, hot showers and cell phones, warm houses and refrigerators, air conditioning and electric lights, computers and ATMs, washers and dryers, stereos and rock concerts, supermarkets and shopping malls. This is what our society has evolved into and I like it. I wonder how many enviro-nazis secretly like it too?

I believe people have the brains to invent new forms of energy that are clean and cheap, so that our society can continue at its current standard of living.

I believe the only hope for America is in energy independence for the US from foreign imports, and energy independence for our citizens from our energy monopolies. As of this minute, this goal is not possible. America needs a constant flow of oil to its cities and rural areas or this country would come to an immediate standstill. The effects could be almost as destructive as a full-scale war in some areas.

Control of oil can be used as a powerful weapon. The Moslem countries in the Persian Gulf have used oil embargos and threats of embargos in the past, and to this day (with devastating results), to blackmail us into doing what they want. We are now more susceptible to these threats than ever before.

Thirty years ago we only imported 36% of the oil we needed. Today it’s almost 60%.

Back in 1973, less than 14% of U.S. imported oil came from the Persian Gulf. In 2000 it’s more than 22%.

At the end of Bush Sr.’s administration we imported no oil from Saddam Hussein. At the end of Clinton-Gore’s administration we were importing 600,000 barrels a day. At $25 a barrel that’s $15,000,000.00 a day we are delivering into the hands of a dictator who wishes our destruction.

The U.S. has proven oil reserves of 21 billion barrels, and “technically recoverable” onshore oil reserves of 110 billion barrels. We also have 1.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, which is enough to last for 30 years. Could we be energy independent? Yes.

And what do you think the Moslem oil countries would do if we used our own oil for awhile and gave them a money embargo? They’d freak! They’d probable open the taps up wide and lower prices to recoup their losses. When our gravy-train stops, their people might become agitated enough to rabble-rouse. These anti-West Moslem governments might even have to scrimp and save to fund their military and terrorist groups.

But even with a dependable domestic source of oil there’s the problem of refining it. There hasn’t been any new oil refineries built in America for 25 years, and of the old ones, half of them have been shut down since 1980. The refineries still operating have such oppressive environmental regulations put on them that they are prevented from expanding. They also have to make more than 15 kinds of gas to satisfy different environmental concerns.

During the fall of 2000, Clinton released thirty million barrels of oil from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve. But guess what – it had to be sent overseas to be refined. That’s good strategy?

After 9/11, most Americans have realized the foolhardiness of depending on oil from overseas, and from our enemies, and of constantly sending billions of our dollars to other countries. Every thinking American needs to take some sort of action to help America achieve more energy independence. Telling our elected officials we want more domestic oil production is one way. Telling them to give tax breaks for alternative energy sources is another way. Educating ourselves to the truth and lies, positives and negatives of energy production is the best way.

At the local level, a bit of common sense, and a bit of effort, can overcome prejudice from well-meaning but unrealistic do-gooders.

As an example, the “Keep America too Beautiful to be Practical” crowd didn’t want windmills on the hills south of our Tri-Cities. The facts of life finally won out and now we are part of the largest windmill farm in the world. This Stateline Wind Project generates enough power for 70,000 homes. I say, “ far out!”

Did they mar the beauty of the landscape a bit? Yes. During the day. But at night you can’t see them. What you can see is the television you’re watching, or the book you’re reading from the electricity they are generating. And these windmill farms don’t have to be permanent. They can easily be taken down and moved someplace else when the time comes.

On December 31, 2003 the federal wind energy tax credit will expire. This could bring most wind energy projects to a halt. If you support clean energy then order your elected officials to extend this tax credit.

To know more about energy, read my tirade under the category: Energy

Until America has switched over to alternative energy sources a secure supply of oil is vitally important. There are many powerful politicians, celebrities, and organizations who will not see that. The travesty at ANWR is a good example.