California has potential for energy independence.
Commentary
Visualize for a moment jet aircraft, ships, mile-long trains, and other transport vehicles operating with solar or wind power. It’s difficult to imagine, isn’t it? That’s because it’s a pipe dream ginned up by green energy activists in the climate industrial complex. They contend that we can maintain a prosperous lifestyle with a zero-emissions power infrastructure.
When President Joe Biden cancelled offshore oil leases, halted the Keystone pipeline, shut down development in Alaska’s North Slope, and released millions of barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Louisiana and Texas, he made a strategic blunder.
Mr. Biden has sold valuable oil to other countries and imported oil from nations that hate America. Why would he benefit our adversaries, such as China and Iran, when the United States has some of the largest natural gas and oil reserves in the world? We also have plenty of the minerals that are used to make electric vehicle batteries.
Since Mr. Biden took office, fuel prices have remained persistently high due to his rejection of energy autonomy. Some might argue that the federal government wants hostile regimes to run out of petroleum before America does, which would give it leverage in the energy business.
Mr. Biden, along with Gov. Gavin Newsom, have blamed oil companies for high gas prices, but they have made it difficult for oil firms to explore and extract due to excessive regulations and taxes on these companies. A reliance on OPEC member countries such as Saudi Arabia instead of domestic production can also trigger price uncertainty and supply chain volatility. Punishing domestic oil companies with lawsuits and picking winners and losers in the marketplace aren’t sound economic policies.
Climate fanatics ignore the fact that safety standards for drilling, fracking, and refining have vastly increased over the past 40 years. Moreover, we now have cleaner fuels, catalytic converters, and industry pollution controls that have improved air quality tremendously. Indeed, energy industries have likely done more to clean up the environment than the bureaucratic Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Mr. Newsom wants vehicle companies to stop producing internal combustion engines by 2035 and the state to eliminate fossil fuels by 2045. This is impossible, because nuclear power has been reduced in California, while solar and wind power can’t provide enough to power a large grid. His goal of carbon neutrality is fueled by a belief that climate change (global warming) is generated by fossil fuels and other human activities.
Human activity likely has some impact, but there are many divergent views on climate change, and the science isn’t settled. Several scientists, including Bjorn Lomborg of the Copenhagen Consensus Center, have articulated the flawed scientific methods utilized by climate alarmists. These activists can’t even agree on whether the earth is cooling or warming, and their dire predictions have never materialized.
Recently at the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit, Mr. Newsom railed against major oil companies and their alleged greed. He also plans to visit China this fall to discuss climate change and offer some solutions. What he doesn’t realize is that attempting to collaborate with the Chinese Communist Party on energy issues is like spitting into the wind.
Communist leaders will promise to pursue alternative energy sources while they continue to build coal-fired power plants and import colossal amounts of oil. They will also manufacture more batteries for electric vehicles as well as solar panels, while using slave labor to extract minerals from underground. China continues to be the planet’s largest polluter, as I witnessed firsthand on two visits a few years ago.
Perhaps Mr. Newsom has forgotten that manufacturing is carried out most effectively using fossil fuel power. Indeed, the recycling of spent batteries, panels, vehicles, and wind turbines would also be powered by oil products.
Moreover, don’t wind turbines hinder wildlife activity and take up land that could be used for farming? Aren’t climate activists concerned about the disposal of electric vehicle batteries and solar panels that are built with toxic chemicals? Are they unaware that thieves are already stealing the plug-in cables at charging stations?
Both California and the rest of America could be energy independent if common-sense policies were implemented. Why is California importing up to one-third of its energy needs from other regions? It has plenty of land and offshore natural gas and oil reserves to tap, refine and distribute, which could lower fuel costs and maintain a buoyant economy.
Mr. Newsom ought to reactivate the oil leases and encourage the clean extraction and refining of California’s fossil fuels. Realistically, clean natural gas and petroleum products will be needed to power the economy well into the future. While it’s fine to make use of hydroelectric, nuclear, solar, synfuels, and wind power, none of these sources can power just about anything the way that fossil fuels can.
While it’s important to keep the environment healthy, climate change hysteria goes way overboard in pushing for a minimalist lifestyle for everyone despite the progress of the last century. In addition, key players in the green movement fail to practice what they preach as they routinely leave mighty carbon footprints in their wake.
What are the limitations of solar and wind power as renewable energy sources?
Vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure. It makes no sense to rely on foreign sources for our energy needs when we have abundant resources right here at home.
The push for green energy may sound appealing on the surface, with promises of reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. However, the reality is that transitioning to a zero-emissions power infrastructure is not practical nor economically viable.
Solar and wind power have their limitations. They are intermittent energy sources, dependent on weather conditions, and cannot provide a consistent and reliable power supply. Imagine the consequences of relying on solar or wind power for critical industries such as aviation or shipping. It would be a disaster waiting to happen.
Furthermore, the technology behind solar panels and wind turbines relies heavily on rare earth minerals. The extraction and processing of these minerals come with significant environmental and human rights concerns. So, while renewable energy may seem environmentally friendly, the production process can be highly damaging.
It is also important to consider the cost implications of transitioning to green energy. The development and maintenance of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy infrastructure require significant investments. These costs are often borne by taxpayers, resulting in increased energy prices, job losses in traditional energy sectors, and a strain on the economy.
Additionally, the idea of a zero-emissions power infrastructure fails to consider the broader implications on other sectors of the economy. For example, the transportation industry heavily relies on fossil fuels for its operations. Transitioning to electric vehicles would require a massive infrastructure overhaul, including the development of charging stations and battery technology. This transition would be costly and time-consuming, with no guarantee of success.
Instead of blindly pursuing green energy solutions, we should adopt a more balanced approach. We should invest in research and development to improve the efficiency and sustainability of traditional energy sources, while also exploring alternative energy options such as nuclear power. Nuclear power, despite its drawbacks, offers a reliable and consistent energy supply with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
In conclusion, the notion of a zero-emissions power infrastructure is a pipe dream. While renewable energy has its merits, it is not a viable solution to meet all our energy needs. We should prioritize the development of our own natural resources, invest in improving the efficiency of traditional energy sources, and explore a diverse range of energy options. Only through a balanced approach can we ensure energy security, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability.
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