The term 'energy independence' is getting a lot of play in North America lately. Gas prices are high (not as high as Europe) and will not likely come down as long as China and India stay on their path - in other words it could be a while, if ever!
Google 'energy independence' and you get 1.8 million hits - notice the term 'North America' - translation - Northern Alberta :)
Energy independence is being talked about by liberals/democrats and conservatives/republicans. To the conservatives it means a direct line to the Alberta tar sands and subsidizing Big Oil to ramp up oil shale production in Colorado (yes, you read that right) and poking around Alaska. To the liberals it means weaning ourselves off fossil fuels and moving forward with renewable energy sources.
To T. Boone Pickens (ex oil man) it means installing a whole bunch of wind turbines in the middle of America - he makes a convincing point. Take five minutes to watch his video calling for more wind power, it is very interesting.
The point of this piece - please be careful when you read / listen / watch news about energy independence - it is a good thing for North America, as long as it means moving off fossil fuels, not digging more holes in the ground.
The way we use energy and produce energy has to fundamentally change FAST...the sooner our leaders in Washington and Ottawa realize that fact the better. And how do we help them wake up? With our votes!
No comments:
Post a Comment