What’s driving energy policy for generating and using electricity?
Consider what happens when an initial assumption produces a requirement that begets another, and then another, and so on down a cascading series of actions.
Here’s what happens when policy decisions are based on the fear that global warming is caused by CO2 emissions:
It dictates generating electricity without emitting CO2, by using renewables;
And then forcing people to use renewables with Renewable Portfolio Standards, also referred to as Renewable Energy Standards:
Which requires building thousands of miles of otherwise unnecessary transmission lines, costing billions of dollars;
That requires a grid capable of using unreliable sources of electricity, wind and solar;
That requires installing smart meters for demand response,
And reducing electricity consumption through conservation,
Until we have spent billions of dollars on actions that makes electricity more expensive, thereby hurting families and industry;
While creating a shortage of electricity that threatens blackouts.
If we eliminate the fear of global warming caused by CO2 emissions, we can avoid sliding down this slippery slope.
This is why it’s important to study the facts, such as contained in the book “Climate Change Reconsidered”, which shows that CO2 is not causing global warming.
If the government forces the United States to cut its CO2emissions 80% by 2050, which is the stated goal of the president and the EPA, it will result in shortages of electricity, coupled with very expensive electricity that hurts families and the economy.
This conclusion is verified by the chart shown in the Carbon Folly web site, at
http://www.carbonfolly.com/electricity_shortage.htm
The alternative to the slippery slope that’s created by fear is to allow free markets to determine the least costly methods for generating and distributing electricity. Low-cost electricity is good for families, industry and the economy.
Low-cost electricity gives families more money to spend on what’s important to them.
Low-cost electricity allows industry to be more competitive which creates jobs.
Right now, we are starting down the slippery slope.
Renewable portfolio standards have been enacted in many states forcing people to buy expensive electricity. Currently, the requirements are still small, but they are growing to 20% and 33% of all electricity consumed in homes and businesses.
Right now, organizations are clamoring that transmission lines be built, as part of a so-called smart grid, to bring wind and solar energy from distant locations to where it can be used.
Right now, organizations are clamoring for billions of dollars to be spent on forcing the installation of so-called smart meters in homes across America. Ostensibly, these meters will allow people to monitor and reduce their use of electricity, such as by using electricity at night rather than during the day. But, how many people will do their laundry at midnight?
These decisions are being forced on us by state and federal governments that are attempting to cut CO2 emissions 80% by 2050.
We’re starting down the slippery slope. Shouldn’t we avoid the slippery slope?
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Additional TSAugust web sites:
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