Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Like many voices throughout the country, we've been harsh on the President's State of the Union address. Not that he didn't say some things we'd like to hear. Just that, given his track record, we don't think he'll suddenly change paths from being the "oil president" to being the "clean energy president."
But at least his mention of "energy independence" and an "energy plan to promote energy efficiency and conservation, to develop cleaner technology, and to produce more energy at home" has brought this issue to the forefront in the national media.
Science Friday's Ira Flatow said it best on his Feb. 3rd show: "It's déjà vu all over again. We've been talking about this [clean, renewable energy] for 35 years."
Presidents come and go, as does talk about alternatives to oil. But very little gets done.
As long as the federal government keeps the price of oil and gasoline artificially low through generous tax breaks and oil depletion allowances, there will be little incentive for energy entrepreneurs to provide an alternative to oil. Mr. Bush may talk about the free market, but as long as government subsidies of the status quo hamper innovation, we are doomed to be oil dependent until perhaps it's too late.
LP
But at least his mention of "energy independence" and an "energy plan to promote energy efficiency and conservation, to develop cleaner technology, and to produce more energy at home" has brought this issue to the forefront in the national media.
Science Friday's Ira Flatow said it best on his Feb. 3rd show: "It's déjà vu all over again. We've been talking about this [clean, renewable energy] for 35 years."
Presidents come and go, as does talk about alternatives to oil. But very little gets done.
As long as the federal government keeps the price of oil and gasoline artificially low through generous tax breaks and oil depletion allowances, there will be little incentive for energy entrepreneurs to provide an alternative to oil. Mr. Bush may talk about the free market, but as long as government subsidies of the status quo hamper innovation, we are doomed to be oil dependent until perhaps it's too late.
LP
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1 Comments:
I wouldn't worry about the US. If the US decides to move toward a society that is less dependant on oil they have the power to make that happen at a pace that would astound the world. Remember what happened after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. The sleeping giant was awake and the industrial might of the US was turned toward making all the materials necessary to fight and win the war. I expect the same would be true for high oil prices. Hybrid car plants would be quickly built and the freeways would soon be crowed with little cars. SUVs would be recycled as required. Sure there would be a period of worry, depression and a lower standard of living but it would not stop finding a solution to the problem. Bush is only a temporary set back that will pass into history soon enough.
Canadian Observer
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