Santa Maria Sun / Letter To The Editor

Energy independence

David Deick

We all want it, but from whom or what are we seeking freedom? Is it the Middle Eastern oil Sheiks who have us enslaved? Not so much. Is it the petrochemical industry whose money and power now control all facets of American life: Maybe so. Or, is GREED our real Slave Master?

Current estimates of fossil fuel reserves in the U.S. are approximately 100 years. That represents trillions of dollars to the energy markets; no wonder we lack incentive for alternatives. As long as corporations have the rights of people, they can buy representatives in Congress and the White House, controlling energy policy (or lack of it) with lobbyists and influence. There is no incentive for meaningful research into a clean alternative—except the preservation of humanity; a concern Big Tobacco has proven is of no consequence.

So where do we turn? The clock is ticking. The republican mantra is still “Drill Baby Drill” in the face of record heat waves, sea level rise, and the prediction of more severe storms. Ultimately, when temperatures increase enough, the methane frozen at the bottom of our oceans will melt, bubbling into our atmosphere leaving it un-breathable. Sounds like science fiction but it is science fact, and denying it will not change it. So let’s let the petrochemical industry continue to produce more oil and gas because it will make more jobs, then we can all afford the Haz-Mat suit we’ll need if we want to go outside.