There's No One Answer To Energy Crisis

The premier issue this fall will be the energy crisis, more specifically the cost of it. I maintain right here and now, the one that wins this Presidential race will be the one that can develop, and then, effectively promote a cogent and workable energy policy.

I listen to those on the left and the right make their cases everyday on what is wrong and what needs to be done. Over and over again, we hear the pundits screeching their way is the way and the opposition's plans are worthless and will not work.

The right says drilling for more oil domestically, developing more nuclear power plants, and reviving coal as an alternative source are all valid answers. Paradoxically, the left believes that punishing the oil companies, conservation, and alternative sources that involve businesses which are lobbying the left, who they think will guide us out of this mess.

Both think they are right, the other is wrong, and there is no in between. This is known as politics as usual, and resembles nothing of the "change" that is so highly touted by everyone, who has a vested interest in government and/or those that stand to profit (one way or another).

Simply put, here is what must happen if we are to ever succeed at getting a handle on this situation:

1. We must drill. We should let the oil companies drill at ANWR and anywhere else that has oil deposits. But, it must be done in the most environmentally safe method possible and we must insist that refineries are built to accommodate the extra oil that should be flowing in a few years. Additionally, it must be stipulated that oil companies do not sell the oil on the open world market. If we do not have refining capacity for this new oil or we open it up to bidding, we will see no real benefit.

2. Detroit must start reducing fuel consumption by designing cars that use less fuel. Whether it is hybrids or just autos that get better MPG, this has to be done for any real progress can be made.

3. We must develop alternative forms of energy. To rely on one source (and one source only) is about the stupidest thing any civilization can do, if they want to ensure a crash and burn scenario. In the true spirit of capitalist competition, all forms of alternative energy that do not involve the food supply should be looked at carefully and circumspectly.

Some of the forms that should be looked at are:

A. Nuclear Power - Three Mile Island happened almost 30 years ago. Technology has greatly improved since then. So what's the problem? Environmentalists that are paranoid of another TMI accident scenario playing out. Europe knows how to do it, why can't we?

B. Coal - The same thing applies here. Find a way to use it in an environmentally sound way and this resource can make a reasonable dent in our energy demands.

C. Wind Power - We have wind out the wazoo in the bread basket. Want to see how? Check this presentation out.

D. Oil Shale - This is a tough sell, from what I understand it's a tougher process to convert this resource into energy. But, this still affords us all an opportunity to reduce dependency on crude.

E. Hydrogen and other abundant gases - I am not a scientist but surely there other elements that can fill some of the void.

F. Solar Power - It's there, it's free. I cannot see it going away anytime soon.

All these things are nice and will go far, but there is one thing that has to be part of the equation, no matter how we attack this:

4. We must reduce our demand, by good old conservation. It must be voluntary, but I have no problem with creating incentives to do so.

Again I say to all, there is no one solution. The person that can include all of these things as part of a comprehensive energy policy, will be living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue next year. But he must not promise and fail to deliver. There is no guarantee that either of these candidates will come through. And if neither will get on the train, in four short years we will be in worse shape than ever before.




(HT for the Wind Power link goes to Mustang at Social Sense, for e-mailing it to me)