 Think globally. Shop locally. It has always
made sense to spend our energy dollars close to home, and current
world events make it even more urgent that we reduce our dependence
on foreign oil.
The Issue Hits Home
Our sources of oil are increasingly unstable, unreliable, and
costly:
-
Many are undemocratic countries in
politically volatile areas of the world.
-
Existing pipelines and refineries are
similarly unreliable, as evidenced by the recent effects of
terrorism and extreme weather events.
-
America’s presence in the Persian Gulf
costs American taxpayers $50-100 billion or more in annual
defense spending...money that’s sorely needed closer to home in
our schools, communities, and families.
This doesn’t even touch on the issue of oil
availability. Experts can’t pinpoint the date when oil production
begins its long and irreversible decline – and oil prices really
begin to skyrocket. It could be as early as now or any year within a
decade. Then what? At Fresh Energy, we believe the better question
is now what?
The Road to Energy Independence
The smart solution is electrification of the transportation system,
using renewable electricity combined with new fuels from grasses,
fast-growing trees, and other environmentally friendly sources.
Public transit, high-speed trains, and plug-in hybrid cars would all
run on wind power and “grassoline.”
A transformed energy system will balance our
transportation requirements with a reduced dependence on foreign
oil. The Midwest boasts abundant natural resources for clean fuels
as well as proven potential for innovation and technological
know-how. Our region is uniquely capable of leading the country in
innovative, modern energy and technology, and Fresh Energy is
helping to light the way.
Fresh Energy. Working for a 21st century
energy system that supports the health of our economies, our people,
and our environment while moving us toward energy independence.
|
|
