To the Editor:
The current energy crisis is an important issue at the global, national, and local levels. Our dependence on Middle Eastern petroleum can only continue to lead to problems between the major powers of the world, including Russia, China, and the United States. In the next few centuries we will see more problems as the amount of oil continues to diminish. If we do not begin to reduce the amount of oil we use, it will lead to a major conflict between the countries that have the reserves and those that want/need the oil that is produced.
On a national level, we are continuously faced with the debate of whether to drill along our coastlines. Drilling now would give us a few years of lower gas prices in six to ten years. This will give us a little bit of a break at the pump but would not answer our problems in the long run.
We need to develop alternative energy methods including wind, solar, and nuclear to help our country break its dependence on oil. This new infrastructure will bring money and jobs back into our country and economy. Our local and state governments should provide more incentives for people that want to incorporate alternative energy technology into their homes. At the same time, we need to be more aware of our carbon emissions and energy usage. We need to change our lifestyles by driving less, using energy efficiently, and conserving water. By being aware of our usages we can start to deal with these energy problems first hand and become independent of oil.
Frank Zavaglia
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
