I agree that we need to look for ways to reduce our energy use. So, as I read the op-ed “New energy sources needed now” (Dec 17, TribLive),I was distressed because it was promoting the use of nuclear energy and carbon-capture technology. Both of these options are extremely expensive and come with serious concerns. The environmental and health risks are enormous, and the risk of destructive accidents is real. Severe problems can include the depletion and contamination of our valuable water resources. 

It seems there may be bias in our energy policy making process, given that President Trump and his tech-bro oligarchs are investing heavily in these technologies because of the potential to be highly profitable.

Climate change is a threat. It can also be a national security risk, driven by water and food shortages, the loss of land and resources, which can potentially heighten tensions between countries.

Instead of wasting our resources on questionable technologies, I suggest we focus our efforts on expanding the use of renewable energy sources. We should invest in energy storage and in modernizing the electric grid to support the use of transient sources.

It is vital to our survival that we take a role in the manufacturing of renewable energy technologies. They may be slightly less profitable for investors but offer more realistic, efficient, and safer solutions.

 

I think we need to put more long-term thought and research into planning for safe our energy policies and not let them be determined by the greed of the tech-billionaires.

 

                                                                            Mary Ann Lauffer