Reponse to Lily Streiff's Second Editorial

Lily Streiff wrote an editorial on US dependence on oil and provided her own alternatives to providing power to our nation.  In response, it was a nice read and her message was clear and concise.  In principle, we both agree that alternative energy/fuel sources need to be researched, refined, and implemented.  There are points she makes that I do not agree with or even understand, but I will touch on that later.

In summary, the editorial stated that the US needs to become self-sufficient in respect to energy.  Lily says that we should not rely on foreign oil and as a result skyrocketing prices will continue to hurt Americans.  She also writes that more renewable sources of energy, such as wind-generated energy and solar power should.  She concludes by saying that although nuclear power is a potential danger, it could provide the best result for powering our cities and an overall lower cost as opposed to foreign oil.

First off, I am unclear on what she means by powering America.  I assume she is referring to electric power because she brings up cities and small towns.  Yes, petroleum products make up a plurality of our supply source but most of this product is consumed by transportation and industrial sectors.  These sectors do not make up the majority or plurality of energy demanded.  Electric power consumes the most from available suppl sources (by a plurality).  In fact, a minority of energy consumed for use by the electric power sector (i.e. cities) is actually taken from petroleum products.  Coal, then nuclear power, then natural gas, then renewable sources all contribute more to the electric sector than petroleum. (See Figure)

Back to the US dependence on oil, there are plenty of oil deposits that are still plentiful and many more that have yet to be tapped.  We cannot be supposedly depleting our domestic oil supply if are drills are at a stand still.  A better solution to weaning the country off of oil is to find alternative fuels.  Transportation and industry are the sectors that demand on petroleum the most.  Find alternative methods to power these sectors and you essentially have no need for oil.  If appropriate alternative fuel sources cannot be found, then cut down on the amount of petroleum consumed.  If that means placing the burden on the suppliers or the consumers then so be it.  Whether that means higher taxes, setting caps, or granting subsidies it can be done.  A secondary effect would be a lowering of prices on the oil we actually do consume.

Anyways, good read but more opinions than facts.  We do definitely need to get away from oil though.  We are killing our planet and our pocketbooks and in both cases are killing ourselves.