By Tim Baldwin
Coal versus clean energy remains a hot topic in state and federal politics. Science and pragmatism must rule the day on the issue, not partisanship and emotion.
America has been using coal energy a long time. Our grid systems largely rely on coal: it is plentiful and predictable. Government would be unwise to make use of coal difficult. It harms the consumers, which comprises most of American homes, businesses and government.
Still, investing in and exploring other forms of energy is good: wind, solar, magnetic, gas. The earth is full of resources we should prudently use. Science must be given opportunity to benefit mankind.
America must also consider what foreign nations are doing. We cannot undermine our capabilities of being competitive economically and strong militarily. If America restricts its primary means of doing this by eliminating our energy sources, we are hurting ourselves and giving our competitors and enemies advantage over us. Very unwise.
Too, if government is going to encourage energy independence, it can give citizens credit for having their own sources of energy: solar and wind are most notable. Big energy and government, however, disfavor people being independent from Big Energy and off grid because it undermines corporate and government control over the mass of people.
Energy is science and survival. We should treat it that way.
By Joe Carbonari
Like it or not, agree with it or not, our lives are changing. We must adapt. In the energy field this means less fossil fuels and more renewables. Cleaner energy. Healthier world.
The transition will cause pain to some and bring opportunity to others. We should try to ease the pain and take advantage of the opportunities. Wyoming is exploiting its wide open land where the wind blows free. Big wind farms. The potential is impressive. Fewer jobs than are associated with fossil-fueled production, but jobs and profits nonetheless. What’s our plan? Governor? Mr. Gianforte?
How are we going to assist those who lose jobs, income, and peace of mind when the old way goes away? Lives will be disrupted. Government can, and should, assist. Government cannot, however, stop the tide from coming in. Denying change does not work. At best we can delay and prepare. What’s the plan?
Opportunity also exists. What’s the vision? There will be more wind, hydro, and solar plants in our future. Where will they be, and how will we get services in and the power out? Some jobs will be produced. Some profit made. Let’s hear more conversation about how to do it and less about how to delay, or stop it. Who knows, we may see some Montana solutions.
Votes are cast about the future; about how we adapt to change. Are we leaders or are we laggards?