U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus says nation must develop diversity of energy sources

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/08/us_rep_spencer_bachus_says_nat.html

U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus says nation must develop diversity of energy sources

Posted by William Thornton -- Birmingham News August 08, 2008 11:29 AM
Categories: Breaking News

U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus this morning told a gathering of metro Birmingham officials and state legislators from Jefferson and Shelby counties that he thinks wind, solar and nuclear power, as well as more offshore oil drilling, have to be part of any of the nation's long-term energy solutions.

"The wonderful thing is that this is a solvable problem," Bachus said in an hour-long address at Jefferson State Community College's Shelby/Hoover campus. "Wind and solar power are not possible solutions. They are solutions. We can do this now."

Bachus said while the nation needs more offshore drilling, it cannot be the only option to solving long-term energy needs. He noted that bipartisan attempts in Congress to move new energy legislation usually stall because of some "poison pill." Such pills are a provision intentionally inserted into the bill, such as windfall profits taxes on oil companies, so that some members of Congress will find the provision unpalatable and kill the bill.

Bachus said he would be open to voting for such a bill, even if he disagreed with those provisions, as long as it opened the door for drilling, nuclear power and other energy options.

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[BrklynLiberal]

1. Now that everyone knows the Emperor is actually naked, everyone is pointing a finger and yelling it

out loud. Where were these guys back when it could have made a difference, and perhaps prevented some of the problems we are now faced with?

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. It can still make a difference

We have to start significantly changing our ways, and soon.

The problems didn't happen overnight, and the solutions won't either. In general, we wait until there's a serious problem before we do something about it. OK, people are getting the idea that we have a serious problem. Now they're trying to do something. (Is it too little too late? Only time will tell.)

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Ig uess there is SOME truth to "Better late than never.."

[Warpy]

3. Well, duh

Look at my own situation. I can produce heat from the sun, from electricity (through an Econoheat panel, I never turn on the barn burner wall heaters), through an old natural gas floor furnace, and through a wood stove. I use whatever is cheapest. I cook with gas, electricity (nuker, toaster oven and hotplate) and solar.

I drive an econocar and an electric scooter.

Anybody who thinks his brain hurts from the prospect of having to deal with multiple energy sources needs to look around his own house. My guess is that he's already using multiple sources to accomplish the same thing in several areas.