A Realistic Energy Plan
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The Aug. 12 editorial "Snake Oil" was the first rational discussion I've seen of the realities facing the nation. Congress needs to stop its partisan bickering, hammer out a realistic, comprehensive energy package and do it now rather than later. As The Post and others have pointed out, such a plan must include today's available energy sources while we work toward replacing them with solar, wind, nuclear and other environmentally friendly options.
It will probably take 20 to 30 years before energy alternatives can play any meaningful role in meeting our energy needs. In addition, a realistic tax on the profits of today's energy producers could be levied to go only toward the development of these environmentally friendly fuels.
We cannot afford to allow nearly three-quarters of a trillion dollars a year to flow out of the United States; we also cannot allow the continued threat to our national security.
JAMES TRAVERS
Great Falls
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The American public is indeed being sold snake oil by those who are pushing offshore drilling as the answer to our nation's energy challenges.
Unfortunately, the key point of the editorial was buried at the bottom: "Drilling . . . could distract the country from a pursuit of alternative sources of energy." Extending oil addiction through offshore drilling is yesterday's debate.
We need congressional and presidential leadership to push through the legislative incentives to provide the certainty that will spark investments in both energy efficiency and renewable energy. Instead, we are getting political theater performed by elected officials who have opposed the most significant clean energy and energy-efficiency measures over the past eight years.
