Prep for peak oil

Pittsburgh should follow Portland’s example and get ready for the end of the fossil-fuel era

What issues are critical to Pittsburgh’s future — now that we’ve kept the Penguins?

Merging county and city governments? Economic development? Shedding the “Smoky City” brand? Improved ethnic relations? Equality of opportunity? Transportation infrastructure? Innovations at universities and medical centers? All of the above?

Unfortunately, Pittsburghers would not place “energy preparedness” on this list, as Portland, Oregon, recently did.


Why energy, of all things?

Because the era of cheap abundant fossil fuels — oil, natural gas and coal — is drawing to a close. There is little doubt that the ramifications of the coming forced energy transition will alter major aspects of our lives — far beyond paying more for gasoline. As a result, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is a fundamental challenge facing Pittsburgh and the world. Indeed, none of the other issues we face can be addressed without an adequate, stable supply of energy.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette