Search for renewable energy is worthwhile
Former Vice President Al Gore’s speech last week at Tennessee Tech and the front-page story about McMinnville Electric System exploring alternative sources for energy have surprising similarities.
In his speech, Gore said finding alternative sources of energy was of utmost importance. Gore said this was to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil supplies and to also protect our existence on this planet.
The former Vice President went so far as to say humans would go the way of the dinosaur if something isn’t done to protect our delicate ecosystem and halt global warming.
While we certainly hope Gore isn’t accurate in his assessment of our future, he is right on the mark in conveying the need for alternative power sources. This is especially true in the United States which uses more energy than any country in the world.
In our society we have replaced paper, pencils and filing cabinets with computers. We have replaced reading with TVs and VCRs. Horse and buggy are in the distant past and gas-guzzling SUVs remain the hottest trend in automobiles.
We use electric can openers and hair dryers, vacuum cleaners and air conditioners. In short, each of us uses electricity virtually every waking hour of every day. Sooner or later the proverbial well is bound to run dry, or, as Gore says, we might permanently damage Mother Earth in the process.
That’s why it’s rewarding to see MES exploring ways to incorporate “green power” into its energy supply. By capitalizing on power which is produced naturally by wind, sun or methane gas, Warren countians can help the environment while also opening up other means to obtain the energy we so crave.
This is smart business whether you are an environmentalist or not. Considering the never-ending tension which floods the Middle East, U.S. leaders would be wise to encourage more research into the field of renewable energy.
If there are other ways this country can satisfy its energy requirements besides oil, oil and more oil, we should make every effort to evaluate those options. It would seem almost negligent to turn our backs on alternative sources of power.
Of course, as MES general manager Rodney Boyd admits, developing such technology is expensive. That means it also might not be as cost-effective in the beginning, but it doesn’t mean green power can’t be refined and made every bit as economical as our current energy sources.
MES officials should be applauded for delving into new territory and trying to make their operations run more efficiently and environmentally friendly. Whether we are ready to admit it, our environment will only take so much before we begin to see adverse effects which stem from our energy-hungry lifestyle.
This will hopefully never mean extinction, but there are clear and obvious signs of the damage which can be inflicted to this planet and its inhabitants.