Cheap Oil Created Our Problems - Letter from Lorna Salzman

Cheap Oil is what created our problems. If you want to compound the problems, then pursue Cheap Oil, but don't complain when your city floods, you suffer droughts and wildfires, our coast lines sink and we are forced to spend trillions of dollars on defense of our infrastructure and cities.

I had hoped some people would have learned the lesson already: that the cheaper something is, the more you use. If you are suggesting that we need to consume MORE oil, gas and electricity rather than less, then you are more than a bit confused. Intelligent thoughtful people have been suggesting otherwise for decades.....and no one listened. 

Perhaps you also want to continue our dependence on foreign oil.....or you want to destroy more of the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife.....or you want more and bigger cars on the road....or you want the freedom to do whatever you want regardless of the social and environmental consequences....

If so, then you are being irresponsible in the extreme. Moreover, you are playing right into the hands of the nuclear power industry and utilities, who would be delighted to sell you as much energy as you want at favorable prices, knowing that you will support THEIR agenda, profits and future. Or perhaps you haven't noticed the energy industry ads that promise an unlimited supply of energy for everyone at all times and for all purposes. They would be delighted with what you write below.

As for me, I celebrate $4 a gallon gasoline, but regret that it has not yet reached the price paid in Europe. That will happen only when we get a decent carbon tax, which you should be supporting rather than begging for cheap oil.

Sincerely,