Two Takes: Energy Independence Is Neither Practical nor Attainable

The world economy is in the throes of an oil crunch. Surging Asian demand and a slow supply response drive high prices. U.S. politicians facing an election offer half-baked ideas to create the illusion that they have serious answers to problems they helped create.

Many politicians and commentators offer long-term visions for a problem that needs immediate practical solutions requiring difficult choices and compromises. Breezy generalities about the future that ignore harsh economics and science are useless. Avoiding problems now worsens them later.

Wasted time. For the past 25 years, the U.S. government has painlessly and shortsightedly encouraged consumption and discouraged production. Politicians indulged consumers driving big gas guzzlers deeper into the suburbs. Efficiency technologies were ignored and higher mileage standards deemed a nuisance. Speed limits were flouted. New roads stretched across the country while railroads and mass transit moldered. Domestic oil and gas production was secondary to policies promoting real estate and tourism. These policies have now come home to roost.

U.S. News & World Report