We Need an Energy Revolution
The United States today spends some $400 billion a year importing oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Mexico, Russia, and Venezuela. Think for a moment what an incredible impact that same $400 billion a year could have on our country if that money were invested here and not abroad, in such areas as weatherization, energy efficiency, sustainable energies like wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, public transportation and automobiles that are energy efficient or don't use fossil fuels at all.
What we are talking about is an energy revolution that leads us toward energy independence, the cessation of support for foreign dictatorships and the ability to avoid Mideast wars fought over oil. What we are talking about is an energy revolution that will substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable us to address the global warming crisis that threatens our planet with increases in floods, drought, extreme weather conditions, disease and wars fought over limited natural resources. What we are talking about is an energy revolution that will result in cleaner air, water and food and make us a healthier nation.
And, as our nation struggles to recover from the worst economic times since the Great Depression, what we also are talking about is an energy revolution that has the capability of creating millions of good-paying green jobs.
These are jobs that will occur at every level of education and for every skill set. These are jobs for scientists, engineers, machinists, and electricians. These are jobs for workers who weatherize older homes and buildings and save consumers substantial sums on their fuel bills. These are jobs for factory workers who produce advanced insulation material, energy-efficient windows, improved roofing materials and LED light bulbs. These are jobs that build, distribute, install and maintain wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, solar hot water systems, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and biomass heating systems. These are jobs on our farms and in our forests producing biofuels and converting farm waste to electricity.
I see a future where, by 2025, we are producing a quarter or more of our electricity from clean, sustainable energy sources. I see a revitalized American manufacturing base where instead of importing 90 percent of the batteries used in hybrid vehicles, 46 percent of solar photovoltaic cells and modules, and half of all wind turbines used in the U.S., those product are made right here at home. I see a future where American companies lead the world in the production of hybrid-plug in cars and electric vehicles.
I see a future where instead of creating 330 jobs to build yet another fossil-fuel power plant, we create 4,000 jobs building a solar thermal plant that has no carbon dioxide emissions and does not pollute our air because the only fuel is endlessly renewed, no-cost sunlight. These plants, according to the Interior Department secretary, could provide up to 29 percent of the electrical needs of our country.
I see a future where, by 2020, our nation follows the example of a state like Vermont, which, in the last two years, has seen electricity demand lowered because of energy efficiency efforts. Investing in energy efficiency is cost-effective; it saves 3 cents per kilowatt hour compared to the 14 cents it costs to generate the same amount of power.
I see a future where states compete with one another to see which can be the most efficient, and where businesses seek out efficient states in which to locate so they can reap the economic and environmental benefits for their businesses and employees.
I see a future where getting to work, or to school, or to the store does not have to cause pollution. I see a future where plug-in hybrid cars and electric vehicles are commonplace, producing a fraction of the emissions of conventional vehicles while providing the same mobility for drivers.
I see a future where we rebuild our mass transportation and rail systems. For every $1 billion we invest in public transportation, we create 30,000 jobs, save thousands of dollars a year for each commuter, and dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The bad news is that if we do not act boldly to address the global warming crisis, the consequences for our planet and future generations will be dire. The good news is that we have the knowledge and technology today, which will only improve in the future, to address that crisis. Yes, we can dramatically cut greenhouse gas emission. Yes, we can create an energy independent nation. Yes, we can create millions of good paying green jobs in the process. Let's do it!
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont is chairman of the Green Jobs and the New Economy Subcommittee of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
To follow the energy and climate change debate in the Senate, join the senator's Bernie Buzz newsletter here.
Anis Shivani: The End of the Age of Oil: Will It Be a Soft or Hard Landing?
Reading Steiner's $20 Per Gallon makes us realize how contingent our way of life is, and how uncertain its future prospects are.
Loading comments…
Want to reply to a comment? Hint: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to
Senator --
I guess you haven't been paying attention -- to the gospel as preached from the Fascist Christianity Church on C Street -- it goes like this . . .
The "old" Christianity is dead -- no more "helping out the less-fortunate among us, or any of that bleeding-heart/liberal nonsense.
The New Christianity dictates that it is the duty of the already wealthy, to accumulate even more wealth . . . and, at the expense of the poor . . . eventually leading to a "perfect" society where a few "chosen by god" weepublicans will rule over the rest of us poor, miserable slobs -- and who will pass along whatever charity they deem "necessary" . . . kind of like a biblical version of Mexico.
But the most important aspect of this "vision" which THEY have laid out for us, is that the examples of Hitler and Stalin be employed in executing it . . . -- !!!!!!! -- huhhhh???
Simply put, the weepublicans want the democratic system of government we have in place, to fail . . . and be replaced with a more "efficient" totalitarian dictatorship -- which can then carry out the mandates of the Fascist Christianity Church on C Street.
We're up against some really big monsters, you know . . . my question is, why aren't these people in jail? for advocating the deliberate destruction of the economy? and the overthrow of the government?
That "New Christianity" you speak of is known as old-school capitalist Calvinism -- it is predestined who will go to heaven, and you will know them because they are rich; poor people are poor because they're going to hell.
It's a mutant, insane religious strain, far removed from the teachings of Christ -- but it's been around for a while.
Did you learn this from Rev. Wright?
Part of their Seven Mountains Mandate operations also encourages their members to "infiltrate" [their favorite word] Homeland Security, FEMA and all security agencies of the country. By placing their people at the top of these agencies, and -- of course -- in the White House, they can gain control of the world. if you think this is a fantasy, think again -- these silly people to serious things. In addition to the current residents at the C-Street house, we can look at Sarah Palin who belongs to the same cult organization that cooperates with the David Coe movement at the house. They all follow the Seven Mountains Mandate to conquer the world.
Somewhere along the line they seem to leave religion and become part of a power cult. They seem to get a thrill from tricking business owners and government leaders into employing their people. They are more interested in "infiltrating" and "taking over" than they are in redemption and saving souls. They seem to get more satisfaction from fraud and deceit than from spirituality.
It's an old story. They are fascists. They are also mythomaniacs, i.e., they develop a mania based on ancient mythologies and dogma. They become so maniacal in their inventions, they will engage in every kind of fraud and deceit in the name of God to perpetuate their cult.
WE NEED TO FIX OUR ECONOMY 1ST AND FOREMOST. THE BEST WAY TO DO THAT IS TO ALLOW OIL DRILLING IN THE US AND US WATERS. DOING THEI WOULD CREAT A FEW MILLION DIRECT JOBS AND CUT THE COST OF GAS IN HALF GIVING PEOPLE MORE MONEY TO SPEND AND PUT MILLIONS MORE BACK TO WORK MAKING THE STUFF THE BUY. ALL OF THIS WOULD CREATE MORE TAX REVENUE AND HELP WITH OUR DEFICT SPENDING. THEN WE COULD PROVIDE THE BIG OIL COMPANIES YOU COMPLAIN ABOUT WITH TAX INCENTIVES FOR DEVELOPING OTHER FORMS OF ENERGY. THEY ALREADY SPEND MORE ON THIS THAN THE GVT DOES ON THIS AND THEIR RESEARCH WILL BE PRACTICAL BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO MAKE A PROFIT, UNLIKE ALL THIS GVT PIE-IN THE-SKY SPECIAL INTEREST RESEARCH.
The one good thing about crude oil is, that it WILL DEFINITELY run out within our lifetime.
No more oil = no more oil-industry = no more oil-pollution, no more oil-wars and no more oil-bribes.
So there will be a lot of problems less on the genda, once crude oil will have run out.
And the BEST THING is: There's ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ANYBODY can do to avoid it!
So we're going to run out of oil in our lifetime, huh? You must be planning on Obama's healthcare plan extending your life for a few thousand years. Did you know that there is more untapped oil in the United States than there is in the Middle East?
http://www.kiplinger.com/businessresource/forecast/archive/The_U.S._s_Untapped_Bounty_080630.html
The problem is supply vs demand on a global basis. Yes there is more oil and some may be around 100 years from now but it is totally insufficient in quantity to supply our needs. It will never equal in available supply what we have been experiencing up to now as major fields run dry.
Further as demand soars above supply, the price will start to take your breath away and you would no more use it to run your vehicle than you would feed $20 bills to your fireplace.
The solution is alternative renewable energy sources and there will be amyriad of solutions supplying them. The question is will the USA be a leader in this coming revolution?
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Unfortunately, the end of easy oil doesn't matter, because we are *not* going to run out of coal. There will be great masses of easily-mineable coal for around 100 years. And if we don't stop burning it, the planet will bake and our species will have trouble surviving the resulting floods and famines.
The energy-revolution IS happening already - as we speak.
All that is needed, is the will to join in a peacefull competition to achieve, what CAN be achieved with today's - TODY'S! - technology, already.
See http://www.desertec.org/en/ for details.
The entire world could produce all the energy it needs with FIVE solarfarms of the size of 60 by 60 miles distributed in the deserts around the Globe.
Europe is doing the first step to realize this vision, already.
Will you join in?
Certain Republicans and Democrats run a "protection" racket, making sure nothing changes for long-established special interests. As long as they're around to prostitute themselves for Big Oil or Big Pharma or Big whatever, nothing will get done.
Bernie, They are all a bunch of crooks, and you know it. It is time for you, Kucinich and others (if there are any) to look towards a third party. The Democrats were given the WH, Congress AND 60 votes in the Senate; and they are still incapable of doing anything worthwhile. Republicans are crazy crooks, and Democrats are blatant crooks. They both need to go.
I only wish I could move to Vermont so I could vote for you. I'd stand in line two hours to vote for you every single day, if I could!
Good for you! I live here in Vermont and have voted for Bernie every time he has been up for election and I feel the same way you seem to. Bernie is the most honest man in the Senate and truly cares about the people and the environment. I feel the same way and have a set of solar panels to reduce my own carbon footprint.
Thanks Bernie
Better to find someone like Bernie in your state and work to get them elected. Then we'd have 2 Bernies!
Don't worry about Bernie #1 being re-elected. He's a very popular incumbent. People trust him.
Then there's thing about oil money funding dictators. Take Saudi Arabia for example: If we and other countries could somehow stop buying oil from them, it wouldn't just punish bad leaders, it would crash their economy and destroy most people's income there. In a country full of crazy people, most of whom at least now have jobs. Think about pre WW2 Germany and Germans aren't naturally as psycho.
They would continue to sell all their oil , just not to us, and our economy would be all the better for it.
Maybe you should listen to Bernie and keep an open mind. After a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
I'm tired of hearing about all these green jobs. Its like saying that car accidents are great for the economy because think about all those new cars that get sold. Sure, good for the car industry, but horrible for the victims, insurance companies and everyone else. The green jobs are nothing compared to the loss to the economy by new energy taxes and regulation that will make our manufacturing sector even more uncompeditive than it already is.
Are you so sure?
Instead of sending our dollars overseas to pay for our energy, we'll be spending it here.
We have more coal than any other fuel source. But coal will be the hardest hit by these new climate change taxes and regulations. That reality kinda takes the wind out of the sails of Dems who say this is about "energy independence" or "reducing our trade deficit". They don't care about those things, their goal is the same as it has always been: To raise taxes and force through more federal regulation, for the purpose of expanding the size and scope of government, and limiting personal freedoms.
If a new problem just popped up, their answer would still be the same: more taxes, more federal regulation. Just wait and watch... when this global warming scare blows over, the same kind of people will be fear-mongering about something else. And just try to guess what the solutions to that new problem will be......
If the car companies would build cars that ran on electricity or hydrogen they would do much better and America would still be driving all over the place and not hurt the environment while doing so.
You seem to be short sighted to me.
liber --
Funny, you should mention car accidents being good for the economy . . . ever heard of the industry's resistance to legislation that would require vehicle manufacturers (autos and trucks) to implement technology (from the 1950s!!!) that would prevent ALL accidents -- ??????
The trucking lobby has fought the anti-crash technology tooth and nail -- for decades -- b/c retrofitting rigs with the sensors needed would be "cost prohibitive" -- the same specious argument they use to block anything that would actually improve something in their industry besides profits . . . while they don't bat an eyelash at raising rates, etc. for everything else -- healthcare insurance, gasoline, biz insurance, salaries, etc.
The motto of Big Biz is: Never Give the Consumer An Even Break -- isn't it? afterall.
Sorry, you missed the part where you should have said WHAT technology would prevent ALL car accidents. Are you talking about some kind or radar or sonar that could see things farther ahead?
Speaking from my limited experience driving a semi truck, the accident you get in is not because you you can't see enough, it's cause some guy talking on his phone or looking the other way pulls out in front of you and you can't stop a big-rig like putting the brakes on a Mustang.
But since you say "autos and trucks", and "technology from the '50s", I am really curious as to what you mean. Don't sit there and blame Big Business, they are worried about what people will buy and what they will pay. If you want higher quality products, be prepared to pay more, and tell all your friends to pay more also. Get enough of you, and the companies will make the "safe" products you want.
No-cost sunlight. Watch somebody block out the sun like Mr. Burns did on "The Simpsons".
this is not worth talking about . the oil companies rule the world. the insurance and medical rip offs follow. then comes the military and then comes american idol. it is not worth speaking about.
BERNIE SANDERS IS THE BEST !
WE NEED MORE PEOPLE in DC LIKE HIM.
Your life sucks because of big oil, big insurance, the rich, big business, and the military. Well I guess if you do not take responsibilty it is nice for you to have someone to blame.
Thanks for the cynicism. Now go back to your coffee and cigarettes and let the rest of us get to work.
Bernie, What this country needs is a green energy dictator who shuts down coal fired plants, raises cafe standards to 50mpg by 2015 (technology already exists) and finances solar energy for all middle class Americans. That could be you.
use that money to install Keeling Windows in every home and business!!
you know those CO2-filled double-pane thermal windows..
CO2 doesn't just stop the heat from escaping..
it reflects in back into the room!!
Thanks Mr. Keeling!
Thank you Senator Sanders!
I completely agree. A sustained, government incentivized focus on moving to renewable energy as quickly as possible along with the same focused effort on energy efficiency is the answer to both global warming and the soon-to-be-returning energy crises.
Limits are not the answer. Every government that has adopted them has failed to live within them. As evidence CO2 emission has increased in many/most countries that adopted the Kyoto Protocol.
Human nature being what it is, we will only really reduce CO2 emissions when we have a viable clean energy alternative.
what global warming?
Why do we have to wait so damn long for wind power farms to be erected in the midwest in tornado alley? The same question for solar power in the southwestern U.S. Is it because of influence peddling by legislators and bribery by special interest lobbyists? Campaign finance reform must come first, then the energy revolution can happen, No more whores in Congress selling their souls to special interest lobbyists is the key (It's not a free speech issue!).
You must be logged in to comment. Log in or connect with
