Not In My Backyard

Every time there is a disturbance in the Middle East and the price of oil goes up, we get up in arms about achieving energy independence. "Let's exploit our own resources", goes the cry. We've got coal, wind, oil, gas, geothermal, solar and waves, all in abundance!! We don't need to be dependent on people half way around the world who don't like us much in the first place.

Then reality sets in. Mine the coal, but don't alter the landscape. Put up windmills or solar farms, but not where I have to look at them. Tap the massive gas reserves in the Marcellus shale, but don't let drilling trucks drive on the roads, risk pollution or contaminate the countryside with unsightly wells. Build more nuclear power plants, but don't put one where I might be in danger if an accident should occur.

Is it any wonder why so many foreign countries hate us when we are perfectly willing to ravage their countryside in order to preserve the quality of our own?

Let me suggest the following:

1. The first step to energy independence is to reduce consumption. Do it! I live in the northeast USA. How much do homes REALLY need air-conditioning? Sure, it's more comfortable on those few very hot days, but most of the time a whole house fan can do just as good of a job for a fraction of the cost. Wherever you live, if you stop and think, there is something you do that consumes energy that you could do without. No matter how small, just do it.
   
2. The next time someone wants to exploit a resource in or near your community, think about the steps that need to be taken to ensure that is done in a reasonably safe and aesthetic manner. Far too much time is spent just killing these projects rather than coming up with creative ways to make them work. Don't listen to the hype in the media. Do the research, find out what the real risks are and participate in getting the risks resolved in a cost effective manner.
   
3. The next time you feel like your quality of life is being threatened by an energy development that you are concerned about, also think of where your current energy comes from and who is sacrificing their quality of life so that you can enjoy yours.

Nothing is free in this world. It doesn't do any good to say DO reduce our dependence on foreign oil but DON'T do anything that costs me money, time, comfort or environmental impact. Unfortunately we can't have it all ways.