On Energy Independence and Climate Change
We need to have an Energy Independence Revolution.
This is a national security issue. The reason we’re fighting in the Middle East is because that’s where the oil is. Our economy and way of life are wholly dependent on unstable totalitarian regimes.
This is an environmental issue. The debate on climate change is over and we must act now to aggressively promote conservation and alternative energy sources.
Finally, this is a jobs issue. By developing and implementing the technologies to end our addiction to oil, and then exporting these technologies across the globe, we can and will unleash enormous economic expansion. We must create these jobs, here at home, now.
It’s time for Congress to get serious about energy independence.
Where does Sue Myrick stand? Side by side with President Bush in showering enormous tax breaks to oil companies as they reap record profits. Side by side with President Bush in opposing tax breaks for alternative energy sources. Side by side with President Bush in blocking even the most modest increases in fuel efficiency standards for automobiles.
Do you think nuclear and coal have a place in energy reform? How about ethanol?
I’d like to see renewable energy sources take the lead in response to a plan for US energy independence. Coal is not a viable option because of the enormous amount of greenhouse gases that burning coal emits into the atmosphere. Nuclear is cost prohibitive, it takes many years to get new plants built, and there are proliferation and waste issues to consider. Renewables like wind, solar, geothermal and alternative fules like ethanol seem like a much better alternative to me.
I was impressed by the rigor of a recent interdisciplinary study performed by MIT and Harvard, which concluded that nuclear power is a necessary component of the solution to climate change. The study offers solutions to mitigate the problems associated with nuclear energy.
Check it out: http://web.mit.edu/nuclearpower/
I used to be anti-nuclear, but I now believe that the inevitable consequences of climate change outweigh the risks of stepping up our nuclear power generation. (Nuclear power produces no greenhouse gases.) Renewable energy sources are a critical component of the solution, but the MIT study concludes that renewables alone are not enough to stop global warming and meet the world’s energy demands.
Coal is carbon, and it must stay in the ground, not in the air, if we are to limit the worst effects of global warming.
I was a member of the Pacific Committee on Global Climate Change in the 1990’s, and a member of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. I agree that nuclear power is a major player in reversing CO2 emissions, and have concerns that there is a trend toward easy solutions, such as using the oceans for CO2 sequestering. the worlds reefs are in serious trouble and such use of the oceans will only hasten their destruction. 50% of the worlds food fishes rely on the coral reefs for all or part of their life cycle. the next congress must rely on good science to reverse what man has added to the problem without playing god and trying to reverse what nature intends.
I am the Marketing Manager for NCG Energy Solutions and WindStreet Energy. NCG assists businesses and organizations in deregulated states with options that will lower their energy costs. The WindStreet side of the company deals with Green Energy. We began selling Renewable Energy Credits to offset carbon footprints for companies and residents about a year ago. Since I have gotten involved with the war against Global Warming and the rising cost of energy and natural gas, being environmentally conscience has been high priority for me. As I witness the changes in the climate due to our everyday practices and the use of resources that are necessary for our daily functions, I wonder what will it be like 10, 20, 50 years from now. Will a coat be obsolete in December in New Jersey? Will we have to dig up Bing Crosby and have him croon over a “Green Christmas”? The more that we contribute to Green Energy and other alternative energy sources, the less that we will have to rely on the sources of energy that are killing OUR planet.
I have known Harry Taylor since I was a kid growing up in one of the worse neighborhoods in Charlotte. He has been a mentor to me as well as my brother since then. I am 28 years old now and if anybody would ask me, “Who was your father figure as a child”, my answer would be undoubtedly be Harry Taylor. I have learned so much from Harry, and I can surely say that the positive things that he had instilled in me as a child are very well incorporated into my everyday life. Being environmentally consience is one of them. I know for a fact that Harry holds the enviroment dear to his heart and is an avid lover of nature. We have enjoyed what nature has to offer together on several occasions and his love for the environment really shined. I am proud now to be able to be a solution in the war against air pollution(a war that will benefit us more than fighting in Iraq, by the way). I appreciate our environment, and that appreciation started with Harry Taylor. I love you Harry! I wish you victory in your campaign and your journey. Vote Harry Taylor!
Great article… and don’t forget the benefits of planting a tree. If we all just plant a few we can really make a difference, each one will soak up 20kgs of CO2 every year and put enough Oxygen back in the atmosphere to support 2 people.Peace
I remember the price of a gallon of gas in 1973 was .25 cents. Saudi Arabia and the other OPEC nations decided to punish America and other western countries for our support of Israel during the war with Egypt. This was financial terrorism and we have been paying ever since. Back then we knew we needed oil independence thus start drilling for oil in the U.S. however, what did we hear from the environmentalist? Drilling will not reduce the price of gas one single penny. Not only that but it will take five to ten years before a single drop of any such oil gets to the gasoline pump. If we started drilling in the U.S. back then we could have avoided all of the wars in the Middle East since it would not be in our interest to do so. Take the time to determine how much the U.S. has paid for this since it all began in 1973? What has been the cost of our wars? What have we paid extra for Middle East oil? I say allow states to drill or not to drill, their state, and their decision.
Regardless of what fuel type you use, I support electric vehicles for the simple fact that they are easily converted to run off of any fuel type and are more efficient than the drivetrain being directly powered by a fuel.
Any fuel type that produces climate altering greenhouse gases is out of the question, as we need to do away with that aspect completely rather than reduce it.
There is a form of solar generator that is much more efficient than photovoltaic cells and uses a reflective dish focused on a Stirling Engine.
A single 37 foot dish produces 25Kw energy, enough power for 8-10 homes.