Energy
There are many ways for us to benefit from better
energy policy. Some of those benefits include lower
prices, investing American dollars here and a healthier
environment. While working toward those goals I shop at
Farmer's
Markets and link to Farm Coops near me.
Myself, I believe the good news is that the right
steps will feel good and add to our well-being as we
take them.
What is renewable
energy? The term "renewable energy" refers to solar,
wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal power, among other
sources. In short, any resource that is relatively
unlimited or can be used over and over. Currently,
renewable energy makes up about 8.5% of usage, although
getting that to 20% in ten
years and 40% in twenty is doable. Even getting to 20%
would significantly take the pressure off our dependence
on foreign oil and other fossil fuels.
A. Keep American Dollars
Here The $300 billion that we send overseas every
year for oil could be kept here and invested in green
energy or starting other new businesses. How much is
$300 billion? Two ways to think about it; It's about
what the U.S. defense budget was in 2005, or about $6
billion per year for an average size state. Investing
that money in manufacturing, organic farming or green
space expansion could really help us out.
B. More Ethical Foreign
Policy If we're energy self-sufficient and
don't need foreign oil, we won't be forced to compromise
our foreign policy for fear of offending other nations,
because we won't need the oil. In other words, we
can support peaceful, ethical resolutions in the Middle
East, because we'll have no ulterior motives. Even
raising our use of renewable energy sources from the
current 8.5% to 20% could take a great deal of pressure
off all energy sectors. With a plan, follow through and
annual reports, this is doable in about 10 years.
C. Clean, Safe
Environment Our air, lakes, rivers, forests and
cities can become cleaner without the constant burning
of fossil fuels, both from cars, homes and factories.
The potential positive effects of this to human, plant
and animal life are huge. This is increasingly necessary
as the world develops its energy resources; we need to
be an example to other countries that are or are
considering building more nuclear plants If we've learned anything from the crisis
is Japan it might be that nuclear power plants are not
worth the risk. We can let old plants
run their course, but not build any new
ones, please! Some perspectives on this are at the Sierra
Club site.
D. Lower Costs Locally
The more we use and develop new renewable energy
technologies, the cheaper their production and cost will
become. This is good for individuals, families and
businesses. Getting the high cost of energy down can
also help bring back manufacturing
in this country. Here is one perspective on
Encouraging Community Owned Energy Systems.
E. Long Term
Goals and Annual Reports While taking the steps to
become energy independent, it's good to have long term
goals, reinforced by annual benchmarks and reports to
the people. Those annual reports could be produced by
local green energy groups such as
SAFE, activists
or legislators. Even better might be if everyone
worked together on the reports.
F. What Can You Do?
Learn about local renewable energy coalitions and the
work they do, shop in the
farmers' markets, recycle or maybe learn about
solar panel potential where you live. Maybe the
Sierra Club
Goals are ones that you agree with and want to
support
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