Of oil and economics
As the price of energy continues its ascent into the stratosphere, the talk of finding alternative sources of energy has increased. This is only natural, as the world – especially the U.S. – has been hooked on oil as its primary energy source for more than a hundred years. It is used to make gasoline for our vehicles, heating oil for our homes, natural gas for both cooking and for heating, and even for the plastics that can be found in every home and office.
Unfortunately, reliance upon oil is not a viable long-term strategy. Apart from being limited in supply – there can only be so much oil in the world, after all – it is a valuable commodity, and thus a powerful economic weapon. Take OPEC, for example, much like Colombian drug lords, this cartel has the power to economically strangle those nations with whom it disagrees.
Venezuela is another example; its economy is so dependent on its oil that it would be in serious trouble should other nations stop buying Venezuelan oil. Given that the U.S. is one of only a few nations capable of refining Venezuela’s low-grade, sulfur-laden sludge, Venezuela may be in for some hard times should Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez continue to promote a hostile attitude.
The current energy crisis only highlights the need to reduce dependency on oil, both foreign and domestic. Alternatives to oil-based energy exist, but have yet to be perfected. This lack of effective alternatives is, ironically enough, a direct result of our oil addiction.
So what are these alternatives that can help the U.S. kick its oil habit? Nuclear, wind, and solar energy have long-term viability, but the short-term viability is limited.
Nuclear power in the U.S. is a concept that is long overdue. With today’s technology, we can build nuclear plants that are safer and far more efficient than the few we currently have.
Wind power is another viable alternative. While it may not take as long to build wind farms, they are not currently capable of matching the energy output of other methods. Steps have been made in the right directions, though. Currently, a massive wind farm is being built in West Texas, and if there’s one thing that West Texas has in abundance, it is wind.
These methods will help with the country’s long term energy needs, but what do we do for the short-term? The only answer anyone seems willing to consider is “Drill here, drill now”, all the while not considering that, if we were to start drilling now, we would not reap the benefits of that drilling for at least ten years. This is, of course, in addition to the shortage of refinery capacity as no new refineries have been built in the U.S. in more than 35 years.
Unfortunately, there is no viable short-term option. We must simply bear up under the current conditions until the other alternatives are viable. So, we’re just going to have to tighten our seat belts until this wild ride is over.
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One Response to “Of oil and economics”
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Sadly, I fear you are right. Now if you will excuse me, I need to go the Gas Station for my weekly raping. (I don’t even get a reach around…)