Evaluating the present state of the energy supply of the US needs to be done in a sober way. One does not need to be an environmentalist or a "tree hugger" to be worried about how and where what energy is used. The plans for future implementation of nature friendly biofuels or the seemingly endless supply of waves and wind; not to mention the harnessing of the immense potential of waterfalls are troublesome as well. Ironically, most of these proposed sources like wind and water turbines and certain types of biofuels from recycled organic substances, are technologies long known. Unfortunately, they are considered as not very economic or have use restrictions. Windmills lose efficiency due to getting dirty blades, the sun is not shining at all time neither the wind blowing. Carbide gas requires the burning of wood that should find a better use as well as the burning of corn in inefficient stoves is a waste - and biodiesel turns to gel in cold temperatures. These are issues however, that can be dealt with and can be addressed immediately. Therefore, optimism is in order.
Where we need to come together, are the absolute facts and their impact on the proper solution to the ever growing demand for energy and it's distribution. This is the obstacle growing economies face in order to sustain humanity and the environment it needs to live in. Not doing so means discarding life as such at an alarming rate. Since it takes energy to produce most goods including energy itself, the challenge is to funnel it to the proper application. We are not doing enough at the present time. This due in fact to our own ignorance and stubborn approach regarding our recourses and in some instances, incomprehensible regulations. Yes, one means well, however, stifles the approach and preventing progress and results that would take us to independence. Further should there be a greater confidence in common good will, in our ability and innovation. To find solutions and get them implemented takes private enterprise and the involvement of grassroots organizations with the right think tanks - politics must not interfere. It is not such a big step, since some nations like China and Australia are using said systems already. In upcoming economies greater steps are taken to cut the dependency on fossil fuels by allowing the use of old knowledge in modern packages in a broad fashion, because it is easier to start new than make changes! In China the need for gasoline grows in a economy with no way but up - meanwhile the world biggest manmade lake and dam was conceived and is presently under construction. In Mongolia a manure digester plant is in use, that successfully converts methane into electricity for an entire village with no need for a cross country supply grid. Built with a relatively low initial investment now reducing the emission of the most harmful green house gas into the atmosphere to almost zero. We in gross negligence are turning perfectly good and affordable food such as corn, into a fuel that does not take us as far, starves people and keeps our own and others from getting basic food and feed. This approach is wrong. Why devote food to the production of fuel? To divert "CORN" from human or livestock consumption in the near future, is uneconomical, environmentally most distructive and most of all, hurts the weakest in our midst! Would it not make much more sense to consume the food first and then turn it into energy, creating byproducts that down the line nourish the ground and therewith start the circle over and keep basic food from being turned into a commodity out of reach to most. Isn't that the reality to date and don't we need to give this serious thought and action? "Yes, we do and Yes, we can - it's a must!"