Here is President Obama's paragraph on energy from last night's not-the-State-of-the-Union:
No Love.
And Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, in his not-response, er, response:
Love
But to truly transform our economy, protect our security, and save our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy. So I ask this Congress to send me legislation that places a market-based cap on carbon pollution and drives the production of more renewable energy in America. And to support that innovation, we will invest $15 billion a year to develop technologies like wind power and solar power; advanced biofuels, clean coal, and more fuel-efficient cars and trucks built right here in America.
No Love.
And Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, in his not-response, er, response:
To strengthen our economy, we need urgent action to keep energy prices down. All of us remember what it felt like to pay $4 at the pump and unless we act now, those prices will return. To stop that from happening, we need to increase conservation, increase energy efficiency, increase the use of alternative and renewable fuels, increase our use of nuclear power, and increase drilling for oil and gas here at home. We believe that Americans can do anything and if we unleash the innovative spirit of our citizens, we can achieve energy independence.
Love
Comments
If I was the nuclear industry, I'd be gathering linguists, marketing gurus, PR experts and a warchest of money to build a mega-strategy to (re)introduce itself to the world. Start with nuclear and radiation literacy.
To be fair on Jindal, we know that increasing use of nuclear power will not change the oil market. Not unless small nuclear plants gain a foothold widespread on ships and replace diesel generators to begin displacing it in those markets. Jindal has misplaced his affection but the nuclear industry shouldn't be looking for someone to pat it on its head.
Nuclear can and should be the main energy source for humankind for many millennium to come. We are at a critical turning point to learn that lesson. I think learning that the hard way, the "renewable" way, could be avoided if the nuclear industry stands up for itself and grows into that role.
However, support for nuclear expansion is very strong amongst Republicans and Independents. That's why I was hoping that the Republicans would help to amend the stimulus package with more support for nuclear energy. Unfortunately, the Republicans felt it was more important to oppose the stimulus package instead of fighting for increased loan guarantees for nuclear energy in the package.
Hopefully, this will not be the case when a comprehensive energy bill is finally decided on in the near future. Without nuclear energy, CO2 cannot be halted and energy independence from foreign energy sources cannot be achieved.
Marcel F. Williams
http://newpapyrusmagazine.blogspot.com/