Newswise — Mark Barteau, founder of the University of Delaware's Energy Institute, says the U.S. hasn't had a coherent energy policy for a generation. He hopes the Obama administration will develop one, but urges them it needs to be varied and possibly painful for many Americans.
"It must cut through the ignorance, sloganeering and posturing that have characterized the public debate, including that in Congress," he says.
He notes several points he says the Obama administration must consider:
1. There is no single solution to the nation's energy needs.
2. Energy independence is a myth as long as our transportation system relies on the internal combustion engine. The Energy Independence and Security Act passed by Congress in 2007 is wholly inadequate to meet either energy independence or greenhouse gas reduction imperatives. Alternative energy resources such as solar, wind, and nuclear can make significant contributions to the nation's electric power needs, but will have little effect on transportation.
3. Americans have developed a variety of bad energy habits because of low energy prices. Creating floor prices through taxation that more accurately reflect costs, especially in times of low market prices, is essential to effect social change, prevent backsliding, and channel funds toward domestic investment and way from oil imports.
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