Energy Competition

Our current energy policy is in desperate need of competition. Competition across state lines in the form of deregulation as well as competition in new energy sources must be a clear priority going forward. It is clear that the dependence on foreign oil will need to change and a series of new technologies and existing ones must be utilized. However, the restrictions placed upon the exploration of new domestic sources are tragically outdated and do not accurately reflect the advancements in current technology. Environmental concerns in the form of misplaced policy agendas force the United States to ship billions of dollars overseas to regimes that are at best lukewarm allies. This destabilizes our geopolitical position and makes the United States tragically dependent on other nation’s willingness to trade. The current system of grants is flawed and promotes technologies, such as wind turbines that raise the cost of producing energy. These technologies raise the amount spent per kilowatt by the average American household. American Energy policy must focus on existing technologies such as nuclear energy and new drilling technologies that reduce the environmental impact. Coming from a background in the lumber industry, it is possible for companies to work in hand with environmental organizations; however, not at the companies expense. It is not a choice between being environmentally friendly or having a competitive economy. As a nation the United States must rely on existing technologies as well as exploring new initiatives that would be created through market conditions. The role of government as defined by Adam Smith should be part of the invisible hand. The hand that guides and allocates resources inside the economy and not the steam roller that forces the market to comply with the weight of its rollers. Solutions to America’s energy independence should not be forced at our peril. Instead they should be created through competition and free market principles.