A good energy policy (OGJ, Oct. 9, 2000, p. 19). We need it but...
Let the market work. What does this mean? What are the assumptions about a free market in a free-to-not-free spectrum? Is the market manipulated, and what does that mean? If so, to what degrees and where and how? Is knowledge of this manipulation, however small or large, definable and therefore ok if accurately determinable? This "market theory" is based on many national and international freedoms. These freedoms of selection may be broad or narrow based on a broad sweep of market constraints which we all can enumerate. What is a freedom to a soccer mom in Wellesley, Dallas, Atlanta, or your city?
Come onellipseWhat is relevant about security and prosperity? Is it the same for an energy producer or a western states environmentalist or an apartment dweller in New York or anywhere? What is the "energy factor" in each case?
No argument regarding the needy, but why aren't they elements which are considered in the definition of "economically sensible supply?" What does modernization of market mechanisms and economic maturation mean to all those affected "elements?" What are the tradeoffs in the loss or gain of all the infrastructures at work?
The mechanics and sciences of finding energy to eventual consumption and recycle are not static. On the other side of the equation are our available freedoms (yours and mine) of choice driven by wants and needs. Climate changes, taxation, wars, environmental impacts, and finite resources affect both demand and supply. Is one side more quantifiable? If so, does that drive an oversimplified solution?
Is this editorial saying that if we throw enough money at the problem the problem will go away?
Fortunately we have a wealth of OG&J readers and subscribers in all aspects of the energy business who could form a brain trust surpassing the Manhattan project and determine our energy future for one and all. Lets do it.
Warren Wagner
Muskogee, Okla.
