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It may be premature to say “I told you so,” but it looks like the old energy economy is on the rocks.
Our over-reliance on fossil fuels has lead to oil prices that are roaring past $75 a barrel, and experts are wondering when the global supply will reach its limit. Natural gas, which was a cheap alternative years ago, went up over 150 percent last year as countries across the world struggle to lock in remaining supplies.
With all the unexpected costs for gas and oil, use of coal power is rapidly increasing. But coal is the worst for the environment. Increasing awareness of both the mercury pollution associated with coal and its impact on global warming will make coal less and less of an option.
Experts, leaders and the public seem to agree—we are digging ourselves into a hole, and it would be best to stop digging.
The support we saw for Amendment 37 was a reflection of that concern.
Our Legislature has also supported taking a new path on energy by passing two different measures to promote energy conservation— though the governor vetoed both.
We also saw the first bill signed into law that deals with global warming by studying ways to reduce carbon dioxide.
I believe we are only scratching the surface. This November, energy will be one of the most important issues candidates debate. Candidates will be asked where they stand on the New Energy Future. For starters we can:
• Double the Amendment 37 renewable energy goals so we get 20 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
• Create energy savings targets that will save consumers money and reduce energy consumption by 30 percent by 2020 through cost-effective energy efficiency.
• Promote policies where 20 percent of our fuels come from bio-fuels by 2020.
Why do we need to wait for it to be too late? We have the technology. Many of these measures will also benefit our economy. Let’s take bold action now.
Sincerely,
Matt Baker |
