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Only Wind and Solar Power Can Guarantee America's Energy Independence by Andrew Henry Baltimore Sun, March 17, 2012

Columnist Robert Ehrlich's commentary on energy policy suggests that more oil exploration and drilling will lead to energy independence ("Road to energy independence goes through ANWR and Keystone," March 11). This is largely a myth perpetuated by fossil fuel companies and their political allies in order to enhance their bottom lines.

In today's global economy, anything and everything is subject to being sold to the highest bidder. Canadian tar-sands oil, American off-shore oil, natural gas and even coal are no exceptions.

George W. Bush once suggested there was enough coal under our soil to make America energy independent for 250 years. There's now an effort to approve the sale of Wyoming coal to China in unimaginable quantities.

The only way for the U.S. to be truly energy independent is to put solar panels on every unshaded rooftop, wind turbines throughout the central plains, and build a sophisticated electrical grid to accommodate those uneven sources of energy. Such a national endeavor would also create a bonanza of new jobs.

jburt56:
Add geothermal to the mix.

RichTk:
Andrew you are delusional at best. Here are some simple facts.

1. Solar and wind has been around for DECADES. If it was such a good alternative to fossil fuels it would be the staple of our energy needs TODAY. But it IS NOT. Why? Very simple... cost and effectivness. It's been too expensive and will continue to be expensive compared to fossil fuels. Bring solar and wind into the same relm of fossil then we can talk.
2. To believe that the US has a small percentage of all the world's reserves when it comes to coal, natural gas and even fossil fuels is telling me you are sticking your head in the sand. By Obama using the term "2% proved reserves" he is lying to everyone about what the REAL oil reserves are. It's alot more than "proved reserves". He President Obama, start opening PUBLIC lands to exploration. http://hotair.com/archives/2012/03/17/usa-an-oil-rich-nation-after-all/

mikep2436:
Its amazing that the Sun publishes letters of people that have no idea what they are talking about.