| Chapter Twenty-Eight of Pax Americana: The Military Industrial Complex and the War On Terror by Danny Quintana |
| Defense Spending Alternative: A Realistic National Energy By Danny Quintana and Jack Hamilton, PhD |
Unfortunately, the rest of the world is adopting our conspicuous energy consumption lifestyle. For all Earthlings to live like Americans, the
output of crude oil would have to increase from 80 million barrels per day to over TWO BILLION barrels per day. This would be an increase of
25 times current production. All of this, so people worldwide can drive SUV’s and “keep up with the Americans”. When the price of oil goes to
$100 per barrel, the increased global demand will not lead to greater oil production because fossil fuels take geologic time to form. The
materialism myth is an environmental nightmare.
output of crude oil would have to increase from 80 million barrels per day to over TWO BILLION barrels per day. This would be an increase of
25 times current production. All of this, so people worldwide can drive SUV’s and “keep up with the Americans”. When the price of oil goes to
$100 per barrel, the increased global demand will not lead to greater oil production because fossil fuels take geologic time to form. The
materialism myth is an environmental nightmare.
Our nation consumes approximately 20 million barrels of oil each day. Total oil consumption continues to increase globally. Oil resources are
finite. Approximately 97% of American cars and trucks run on gasoline or diesel. This oil comes from the most dangerous part of the world.
However, our precarious symbiosis with the Middle East and its oil reserves is no longer necessary; existing technology can almost completely
eliminate our addiction to Middle East oil and give us energy independence.
Conservation:
While the U.S. represents less then 5% of the world’s population, our country currently possesses approximately 3% of the world’s petroleum.
We consume approximately 25% of the world’s oil. Conservation measures are certainly in order. Some important initial steps include raising
the Corporate Average Fuel Economy for new automobiles to 55 mpg by the year 2020 or sooner, encouraging the use of hybrid vehicles,
treating SUVs as what they are – urban commuter vehicles – and developing performance standards accordingly. Increasing the component
of renewable fuels like ethanol in gasoline, could offset half or more of our oil imports, and virtually all of our imports from Persian Gulf
States. Money now going to OPEC could be used to develop our strategic petroleum reserves. Given our oil appetite, we are going to
have to drastically reduce our consumption if conservation is going to help us.
finite. Approximately 97% of American cars and trucks run on gasoline or diesel. This oil comes from the most dangerous part of the world.
However, our precarious symbiosis with the Middle East and its oil reserves is no longer necessary; existing technology can almost completely
eliminate our addiction to Middle East oil and give us energy independence.
Conservation:
While the U.S. represents less then 5% of the world’s population, our country currently possesses approximately 3% of the world’s petroleum.
We consume approximately 25% of the world’s oil. Conservation measures are certainly in order. Some important initial steps include raising
the Corporate Average Fuel Economy for new automobiles to 55 mpg by the year 2020 or sooner, encouraging the use of hybrid vehicles,
treating SUVs as what they are – urban commuter vehicles – and developing performance standards accordingly. Increasing the component
of renewable fuels like ethanol in gasoline, could offset half or more of our oil imports, and virtually all of our imports from Persian Gulf
States. Money now going to OPEC could be used to develop our strategic petroleum reserves. Given our oil appetite, we are going to
have to drastically reduce our consumption if conservation is going to help us.
Drilling ANWR:
If we use the Bush Administration’s most extravagant estimate of 16 billion barrels, drilling in ANWR will not solve our oil addiction. Just as
more heroin will not solve a drug addiction. The United States consumes about 5.5 billion barrels of oil per year. ANWR is equivalent to about
3 years consumption at current levels. Furthermore, we import 56% of our oil. So if we used the ANWR oil to merely offset imports, it would
last for about 5 years (assuming our other production did not decline). If we keep the ANWR oil in the ground, and we remain prepared to
begin production relatively quickly by providing some limited development of infrastructure, then ANWR would become a National Petroleum
Reserve, which is what it should be. This Reserve would become a powerful leverage in any negotiations over foreign oil, and a buffer for us,
should there be a global disruption of petroleum supply (which is highly likely at some point, given world geopolitical considerations).
If we use the Bush Administration’s most extravagant estimate of 16 billion barrels, drilling in ANWR will not solve our oil addiction. Just as
more heroin will not solve a drug addiction. The United States consumes about 5.5 billion barrels of oil per year. ANWR is equivalent to about
3 years consumption at current levels. Furthermore, we import 56% of our oil. So if we used the ANWR oil to merely offset imports, it would
last for about 5 years (assuming our other production did not decline). If we keep the ANWR oil in the ground, and we remain prepared to
begin production relatively quickly by providing some limited development of infrastructure, then ANWR would become a National Petroleum
Reserve, which is what it should be. This Reserve would become a powerful leverage in any negotiations over foreign oil, and a buffer for us,
should there be a global disruption of petroleum supply (which is highly likely at some point, given world geopolitical considerations).
Global oil energy usage will continue to increase as India, China, Brazil and other large economies come online. The oil from ANWR, even
when successfully drilled and shipped to the lower 48 states, is a temporary solution to the long term worldwide problem. As global
consumption increases, the energy problems will become more pronounced and the world will become more dangerous from the inevitable
military and economic competition.
when successfully drilled and shipped to the lower 48 states, is a temporary solution to the long term worldwide problem. As global
consumption increases, the energy problems will become more pronounced and the world will become more dangerous from the inevitable
military and economic competition.
Renewable Energy:
Renewable resources: solar, wind, geothermal (which isn’t really renewable), and possibly biomass, have a role in our energy future. The
problem is one of scale. Presently, renewables account for approximately 4% of our energy needs. Not every place is suitable for wind or
solar energy development. There are very few sites that have potential for geothermal development. Storage of energy is a problem – how
many big batteries or huge flywheels can we build? It is realistic to grow the component of renewables in our energy mix to somewhere
between 12% and 20% of total consumption. This will have a tremendous effect in helping the United States towards energy independence.
However, current means of renewable energy are not a panacea for our energy needs.
Renewable energy is not necessarily environmentally friendly. Wind farms disrupt the flight patterns of migratory birds, sometimes killing them.
Hydro causes untold environmental problems by altering entire ecosystems. Biomass makes sense on a small scale, producing methane from
landfills or wood waste. However, on a large-scale, the economics are questionable. The primary problem with biomass energy is it takes
more resources to produce it than the energy we derive from it– fuel, land, and processing, not to mention the price on the environment in the
form of fertilizer runoff, etc.
Renewable resources: solar, wind, geothermal (which isn’t really renewable), and possibly biomass, have a role in our energy future. The
problem is one of scale. Presently, renewables account for approximately 4% of our energy needs. Not every place is suitable for wind or
solar energy development. There are very few sites that have potential for geothermal development. Storage of energy is a problem – how
many big batteries or huge flywheels can we build? It is realistic to grow the component of renewables in our energy mix to somewhere
between 12% and 20% of total consumption. This will have a tremendous effect in helping the United States towards energy independence.
However, current means of renewable energy are not a panacea for our energy needs.
Renewable energy is not necessarily environmentally friendly. Wind farms disrupt the flight patterns of migratory birds, sometimes killing them.
Hydro causes untold environmental problems by altering entire ecosystems. Biomass makes sense on a small scale, producing methane from
landfills or wood waste. However, on a large-scale, the economics are questionable. The primary problem with biomass energy is it takes
more resources to produce it than the energy we derive from it– fuel, land, and processing, not to mention the price on the environment in the
form of fertilizer runoff, etc.
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Global oil production is rapidly approaching its peak, even if natural gas liquids and expensive, destructive, risky
deepwater and polar oil are included. Chart is online at: www.oilcrisis.com/nations/2004
deepwater and polar oil are included. Chart is online at: www.oilcrisis.com/nations/2004
In terms of the minimum energy requirements of the United States, there is no other resource that can come close to satisfying the future
demand. Currently the U.S. government is pouring huge amounts of money into “clean coal” research. While the term “clean coal” may seem
like an oxymoron, it is possible to satisfactorily mitigate particulate emissions, acid mine drainage, and other deleterious environmental effects
of mining and burning coal. Unfortunately, coal is carbon, and when burned, it produces CO2. Despite denials in some quarters, global
warming is a very serious problem. The only way to decrease carbon dioxide is to burn less carbon. This directly contradicts the idea that
coal will take up the slack when petroleum has declined. More carbon into the atmosphere is not an acceptable long-term solution. However,
coal can be gasified and liquefied, and as such is a viable transition fuel as we move to hydrogen to replace oil and gas.
demand. Currently the U.S. government is pouring huge amounts of money into “clean coal” research. While the term “clean coal” may seem
like an oxymoron, it is possible to satisfactorily mitigate particulate emissions, acid mine drainage, and other deleterious environmental effects
of mining and burning coal. Unfortunately, coal is carbon, and when burned, it produces CO2. Despite denials in some quarters, global
warming is a very serious problem. The only way to decrease carbon dioxide is to burn less carbon. This directly contradicts the idea that
coal will take up the slack when petroleum has declined. More carbon into the atmosphere is not an acceptable long-term solution. However,
coal can be gasified and liquefied, and as such is a viable transition fuel as we move to hydrogen to replace oil and gas.
Nuclear Power
In the 1950s, the Federal government told utility companies to build nuclear power plants, and to not worry about the waste – the government
would figure out what to do with it. The result was a disaster. There was never a coherent national plan on power plant design or the waste
issue. Virtually every nuclear plant in the country has a different design, and some are, frankly, not very good. Siting was, more often than
not, a political consideration and contractors were sometimes under pressure to meet schedules and budgets that required them to cut
corners on quality control, or even to falsify data in some cases. After 50 years, nuclear waste is still stored at the power plants – without a
national solution.
In the 1950s, the Federal government told utility companies to build nuclear power plants, and to not worry about the waste – the government
would figure out what to do with it. The result was a disaster. There was never a coherent national plan on power plant design or the waste
issue. Virtually every nuclear plant in the country has a different design, and some are, frankly, not very good. Siting was, more often than
not, a political consideration and contractors were sometimes under pressure to meet schedules and budgets that required them to cut
corners on quality control, or even to falsify data in some cases. After 50 years, nuclear waste is still stored at the power plants – without a
national solution.
The scientific consensus on Yucca Mountain as the final burial ground for the nation’s nuclear waste is mixed at best. Temporary facilities like
the proposed Skull Valley Goshutes’ Private Fuel Storage project are very controversial, and have become a siting nightmare. Even if
successfully built, the Goshute project will not solve the long term problem of final disposal. We should abandon the plans for geological
disposal in the Yucca Mountain tunnel that was to be back filled with hot nuclear waste. The best solution is to build an above ground disposal
site. Above-ground disposal will be less expensive and can be immediately accomplished with existing technology. And it is safer.
Nuclear energy is critical to American energy independence. Nuclear power is one of the cleanest and safest forms of energy if it is done
right. The environmental effects have less impact then damming rivers, or using fossil fuels. The arguments against nuclear, must be carefully
examined without hysteria. Nuclear energy is as safe as other industries where humans and dangerous substances are involved. However, in
order to go forward with nuclear power, the government and industry has to acknowledge the history of lies and incompetence foisted on us.
Many people have died from cancer from nuclear testing, weapons building, outright government experimentation, and incompetence.
Chernobyl, “Silkwood” and the downwinders remain a reminder to all, of the obligation to tell the truth. Without the truth, the public will not
accept more nuclear power regardless of the clear need. Three Mile Island remains in our past to remind us.
the proposed Skull Valley Goshutes’ Private Fuel Storage project are very controversial, and have become a siting nightmare. Even if
successfully built, the Goshute project will not solve the long term problem of final disposal. We should abandon the plans for geological
disposal in the Yucca Mountain tunnel that was to be back filled with hot nuclear waste. The best solution is to build an above ground disposal
site. Above-ground disposal will be less expensive and can be immediately accomplished with existing technology. And it is safer.
Nuclear energy is critical to American energy independence. Nuclear power is one of the cleanest and safest forms of energy if it is done
right. The environmental effects have less impact then damming rivers, or using fossil fuels. The arguments against nuclear, must be carefully
examined without hysteria. Nuclear energy is as safe as other industries where humans and dangerous substances are involved. However, in
order to go forward with nuclear power, the government and industry has to acknowledge the history of lies and incompetence foisted on us.
Many people have died from cancer from nuclear testing, weapons building, outright government experimentation, and incompetence.
Chernobyl, “Silkwood” and the downwinders remain a reminder to all, of the obligation to tell the truth. Without the truth, the public will not
accept more nuclear power regardless of the clear need. Three Mile Island remains in our past to remind us.
Over the next ten years, the United States should build an additional 200 nuclear power plants. The existing 104 nuclear power plants provide
approximately 20% of our electricity needs. An additional 200 nuclear power plants will increase our electrical production from nuclear to 60%.
This will reduce our dependency on Middle East oil.
approximately 20% of our electricity needs. An additional 200 nuclear power plants will increase our electrical production from nuclear to 60%.
This will reduce our dependency on Middle East oil.
Natural Gas
Natural gas vehicles are indistinguishable from those powered by gas and diesel. But, they are much cleaner. These vehicles are already on
the road in small numbers. With an expansion of fueling sites, more natural gas vehicles can be on the road. This is not new technology.
Electric hybrid cars are also on the road. Toyota and Honda have vehicles that get over 45 MPG and are clean. Once again, Detroit has
missed the market. While Detroit is building Hummers and truly huge SUV’s, the rest of the world is using smaller cars and trucks.
There is already a well-established natural gas pipeline infrastructure throughout the country that can provide a safe, environmentally benign
fuel delivery system. With the installation of fuel compressor stations, or in the case of private home use, home refueling systems, natural gas
vehicles will be ready to ride. Honda is already offering such a natural gas powered vehicle. Furthermore, natural gas does not require the
heavy and dangerous tanker trucks that now plague our interstates, nor do they require the economic and environmental costs of
underground storage required for diesel and gasoline.
Natural gas is a domestic resource. Mexico and Canada also have very large reserves. Just one successful attack on the oil shipments from
the Persian Gulf will be enough to disrupt our entire economic system. Our current policy is a gamble with our nation’s energy and economic
future. Natural gas will be a transition fuel. In time, this fossil fuel will run out. However, the best long term solution is solar hydrogen. But in
the short run, over the next 30 to 50 years, natural gas and nuclear energy along with the use of hybrids are our best hope for energy
independence.
We have the natural gas reserves and the nuclear technology to rewire our economy and become energy independent within ten years. In
the short term, we are going to be competing for petroleum. The United States should execute long-term contracts with oil producing
countries, using a 10-fold increased strategic petroleum reserve as leverage. We should pass a windfall profits tax on domestic oil to fund the
transition. The oil companies should not be allowed to take advantage of the current situation at the expense of the consumers. While their
patriotism is sometimes questionable, their profits are clearly taxable.
Natural gas vehicles are indistinguishable from those powered by gas and diesel. But, they are much cleaner. These vehicles are already on
the road in small numbers. With an expansion of fueling sites, more natural gas vehicles can be on the road. This is not new technology.
Electric hybrid cars are also on the road. Toyota and Honda have vehicles that get over 45 MPG and are clean. Once again, Detroit has
missed the market. While Detroit is building Hummers and truly huge SUV’s, the rest of the world is using smaller cars and trucks.
There is already a well-established natural gas pipeline infrastructure throughout the country that can provide a safe, environmentally benign
fuel delivery system. With the installation of fuel compressor stations, or in the case of private home use, home refueling systems, natural gas
vehicles will be ready to ride. Honda is already offering such a natural gas powered vehicle. Furthermore, natural gas does not require the
heavy and dangerous tanker trucks that now plague our interstates, nor do they require the economic and environmental costs of
underground storage required for diesel and gasoline.
Natural gas is a domestic resource. Mexico and Canada also have very large reserves. Just one successful attack on the oil shipments from
the Persian Gulf will be enough to disrupt our entire economic system. Our current policy is a gamble with our nation’s energy and economic
future. Natural gas will be a transition fuel. In time, this fossil fuel will run out. However, the best long term solution is solar hydrogen. But in
the short run, over the next 30 to 50 years, natural gas and nuclear energy along with the use of hybrids are our best hope for energy
independence.
We have the natural gas reserves and the nuclear technology to rewire our economy and become energy independent within ten years. In
the short term, we are going to be competing for petroleum. The United States should execute long-term contracts with oil producing
countries, using a 10-fold increased strategic petroleum reserve as leverage. We should pass a windfall profits tax on domestic oil to fund the
transition. The oil companies should not be allowed to take advantage of the current situation at the expense of the consumers. While their
patriotism is sometimes questionable, their profits are clearly taxable.
*Danny Quintana is a retired attorney and writer. He was one of the architects of the Skull Valley
Goshutes Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility. This national energy project has been killed by
politics.Jack Hamilton, PhD is a professor of energy and environmental science at the University
of Utah. He is opposed to the Skull Valley Goshutes Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility.
Goshutes Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility. This national energy project has been killed by
politics.Jack Hamilton, PhD is a professor of energy and environmental science at the University
of Utah. He is opposed to the Skull Valley Goshutes Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility.
| have exhausted all the other possibilities.” Winston Churchill |