Declaring Energy Independence

Declaring Energy Independence

Power and electricity generation come from an array of fossil and renewable sources like natural gas, nuclear, hydro, solar, wind, coal and geothermal. On the other end of the spectrum, 90% of transportation depends on petroleum. That fundamental difference defines a very different policy landscape. Until our cars, trucks, locomotives, ships and airplanes transition to electricity, transportation needs to be a separate conversation.

Spurring the Low-Carbon Revolution

But what I will not admit – and what none of us should ever admit – is defeat because we have not failed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The truth is, until recently, we never really tried. As John Paul Jones is supposed to have said during the American Revolution, “I have not yet begun to fight!”

For this reason, despite the enormous challenge, we should be undaunted. We should be eager to throw ourselves to the task. There is another American revolution afoot: a low-carbon revolution.