Responsible energy use

Aug. 27, 2001
Mr. Doyle Grogan's letter (OGJ, Aug. 13, 2001, p. 10) was interesting.

Mr. Doyle Grogan's letter (OGJ, Aug. 13, 2001, p. 10) was interesting. I agree that an energy policy is imperative, but I also believe that Americans must quit purchasing monster SUVs and other gas-guzzling vehicles. A short drive along any urban freeway at rush hour tells an interesting story of our own self-centered, self-destructive consumer habits. A huge proportion of the vehicles on the road are SUVs and pickups, and these vehicles carry one person to and from work. We could decrease our imports at an astonishing rate if mandated mileage standards were applied to all vehicles on the road, with increases in mileage mandated as technology allows.

Think also of the energy savings if all home builders were required to offer solar cells built into each new home. The buyer would be educated on the choice, and then could act responsibly. The potential energy savings would be enormous.

Legislated solutions are not palatable, but sometimes people need to be told what is best for them. Take for example, wearing seat belts, kiddy safety seats, and banning cell phones while driving. These are all examples of the legislators telling the people that "you will do this for your own good." I guess we're not mature enough to make the tough decisions on our own, and the legislators should force us to act responsibly by removing irresponsible choices.

To take Mr. Grogan's idea of using the military to ensure secure energy supplies a bit further, every person who does not support simple and straightforward conservation initiatives is the enemy. For it is they who would sacrifice our brothers and sisters in the military who keep the oil flowing to the US. In the same vein, those who oppose drilling in their backyard (Florida, California, and others) are also the enemy. I don't advocate drilling everywhere, but in some areas where there "is a nearby market and existing infrastructure, it only makes sense to drill.

Matt Janowiak
Durango, Colo.