Clean energy is better for so many reasons

Clean energy is better for so many reasons

EDITOR:

In these challenging times, we are all painfully aware of the threats to both our national and our economic security. Our foreign affairs and national defense policies as well as our economy are linked to our energy policy through our dependence on foreign oil. There is no doubt we Americans rely on foreign oil, and we are sending billions of dollars overseas to pay for oil, leaving us vulnerable to unstable or hostile regimes. Our oil expenditures in 2008 broke down to equal: $1.2 billion every day; $50 million every hour; $837,000 every minute; and $14,000 every second.

It’s more than just oil that threatens our national security. Other weaknesses in our nation’s energy systems pose great security and financial risks. Power outages and power quality issues cost the United States an estimated $119 billion to $188 billion every year and our fragile electricity grid puts our military operations and bases at risk. But there is a way to keep more of our money at home while simultaneously strengthening our national security and our economy.

Transitioning to a clean energy economy would allow us to free ourselves from our dependence on foreign oil. Clean energy policies will help us make this transition and start generating our power from renewable sources here at home, instead of relying on sources of energy that require our presence in perilous parts of the world. An improved electricity grid will help save Americans money while providing a more secure, reliable electricity system. What’s more, relying on clean, renewable sources of energy instead of dirty carbon-based fuels will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and solve the climate crisis. The impacts of climate change, security experts warn, could further destabilize politically vulnerable regions around the world.

By reducing our reliance on foreign oil, not only will we reduce our exposure to energy conflicts overseas, we will also keep our energy dollars here in the U.S., where we can invest in American businesses and jobs and strengthen our economy. If we spend our energy dollars here at home, we can expand our clean energy production capabilities and increase our use of renewable energy and energy saving technologies. Relying on renewable energy sources would create millions of jobs, many in our most struggling industries – and these are jobs that can’t be outsourced. Clean energy policies will save us money, too. Energy saving technologies could save households approximately $750 by 2020 and $3,900 by 2030, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

And, increased clean energy investments will help generate jobs in Ohio. According to a recent study by the Center for American Progress, investing in Ohio’s clean energy economy could create thousands of jobs.

The United States is already a world leader in so many areas. Isn’t it time we took a leading role in developing a global clean energy economy? In this moment, we have the opportunity to improve our national security and strengthen our domestic economy by supporting and investing in clean energy. As we celebrate the independence of our nation this week, let’s protect America and declare our energy independence as well. It’s time for a change. It’s time to repower America.

DENNIS SPISAK

Struthers

X The writer is a member of the Mahoning Valley Green Party and the Ohio Green Party and ran for Congress in the 6th District in 2008.