Our national security is under serious consideration, but Sen. Inhoffe’s amendment to the defense appropriations bill is not a rational energy or national security plan. It provides millions in grants to traditional fossil fuel producers for the next 10 to 12 years. It opens the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to exploration in hopes of giving the United States a six-month supply of petroleum and we would have to wait 10 years to receive it. While it provides user grants for alternative energy, they will cover new and old installations for only the next five years.
Apparently, some industries are hoping to use the current alarm in our country for their own financial benefit. We also have many people in our own government with strong and direct ties with the oil, coal and nuclear industries. I would hope that all would provide unbiased leadership to the public, but that’s not always the case.
Our leaders and citizens must be vigilant to make wise decisions in all areas, especially during a crisis such as the one we’re currently facing. It’s important that we not destroy what’s left of our pristine natural lands simply because we’re desperate to solve another lingering problem.
Reasonable energy solutions must be sustainable for the long haul. Energy that is clean, safe and renewable, such as solar and wind, will allow us to provide energy for generations to come. Much of our vulnerability stems from the fact that we’re so dependent on fossil fuels that, world-wide, are quickly being used up.
It’s also a fact that we’re wasting tremendous amounts of energy. This is quite troubling when you consider that the sources for that energy are limited. When fossil fuels are gone, they are gone.
This is an exciting and interesting time to be alive. I trust that our nation will commit to developing the technology for using renewable energy now, rather than later. I would rather give up non-renewable, polluting, and dangerous energy sources now, while we still have a choice, than to wait until it is no longer a choice. Investing in renewable, clean, and safe energy will lead us to energy independence and a sustainable future for all. Please call, write, or email your senators, representatives and the president to voice your opinion on this very important matter. You really can make a positive difference.
Bothell
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