Coal, Natural Gas and Oil are a Reality.
Politics and extreme ideology have entered into the energy mix here in Texas and the consequences will mean longer unemployment lines and higher costs for power. Under pressure from environmentalist groups like the Sierra Club and their partners and bolstered by the draconian regulations issued by the EPA, CPS energy will be closing the Deely Power Plant outside of San Antonio. Proponents laud this as a progressive advancement in the struggle to realize a green economy. For them this is the first step; they hope to replace the “dirty” fuel source with new contracts for solar energy, a much greener resource that will create green jobs and help contribute to the new green economy. As of today, four companies are seeking contracts with the city with the promise of delivering around 1,000 jobs and 800+ megawatts to the city.
One does not have to look far to see the deception that is green jobs through solar power. In the news as of late we have all seen the boondoggle that was Solyndra. To refresh your memory our illustrious President visited this solar cell manufacturer last year and donated $500 million (bailout / stimulus) of your tax dollars to their cause. Last week Solyndra and your money disappeared as the company filed for bankruptcy. In that case as in the case of the Deely plant closure, the common denominator is the loss of jobs rather than the creation of jobs. This seems to be a theme in the new “Green Economy.” Rather than being the birthplace of employment and prosperity, it has proven instead to be the cemetery where we bury jobs and the crematorium where we burn money. The over $500 million given to Solyndra didn’t create jobs; it lost over 1,000 jobs and the closing of the Deely power plant in San Antonio will result in the loss of over 500 jobs. Adding to the complexity of this closure is the loss of generating capacity. This will put a strain on the existing power grid already struggling to keep up with demand. Organizations like the Sierra Club and their partners will not stop with the Deely power plant; more closures are on the horizon. This plant closing is yet another example of how the EPA is wielding its regulatory authority like an impulsive child swinging a samurai sword – your only hope is to NOT be in the way. However, not being in the way has become almost impossible since the regulation being used in this case (The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule) has become the EPA’s weapon of choice against power providers.
I have written extensively on the stated goal of the liberal left and their pursuit of a green economy through green jobs. In my book I dedicated a chapter to this myth and the conclusion that I came to is that they simply never pan out. If you don’t believe me just look at Spain and the consequences they are facing right now due to this unrealistic mythical pipedream. Spain is on the verge of default and is a big part of the current European debt crisis. Look at Solyndra and what your tax dollars were able to accomplish there – nothing. The loss of 500 jobs when the Deely power plant closes is real, the promised creation of 1,000 jobs through solar power in the future doesn’t pay those laid off worker’s bills or help an already overburdened power grid. Green jobs and a new green economy are merely government tools used to redistribute wealth and that is a fact. What we need are solutions not bedtime fairytales.
If the Federal Government really wanted to solve our energy crisis they would drastically curtail the EPA regulatory process and work with energy companies to continue to develop our natural resources. They would help to retrofit and update plants through things like tax credits or deferred taxes. Or simply lower the tax burden across the board. They would get out of the way and unleash the innovative entrepreneurial spirit that has made this country the envy of the free world. Ladies and gentlemen, there are solutions and they can be found under the ground and in the minds of our people. Clean coal is a reality; rather than banning it we should be working to unlock its full potential. We have enough natural gas beneath our feet to power us well into the future and enough petroleum to do the same. Rather than stifling their use we should be working to advance their uses. We need to cut the noose that is binding our industrial and entrepreneurial complex and let them bring these resources into the 21st century rather than forcing them to operate as though it were the dark ages and then proclaiming them archaic. That is backward thinking and if you want to move forward you can’t spend your time looking backwards.
None of this is possible unless we finally put to rest the myth that is “Green.” Green isn’t going to ride in on a white horse and save the day. Green pursuits should be an augmenting tool in our energy toolbox not the only tool. Those who tell you that alternative sources like wind and solar are the answer to obtain energy independence are lying and speak from their ideology, not from reality. The sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow. The use of Coal, Natural Gas and Oil are a reality, and the truth is that responsibly blending these into the energy mix is the future. Until we get real when it comes to energy and energy independence we will not solve anything and we will continue to lose jobs and weaken America. The Deely power plant closing in San Antonio is just the beginning of the Obama administration’s march to outlaw energy production as we know it, and to increase the cost of energy as we know it. All of this is being done in the name of creating a new America with a green economy. I say that I like the America my parents and their parents built and I say Texas cannot become the realization of a scheme that will destroy our America. This is the time; Texas is the place – stand with me and let’s get to work defunding the EPA. Help me dismantle the plan that would see our natural resources demonized for a flawed ideology.
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3 Responses to Coal, Natural Gas and Oil are a Reality.
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Commissioner Parker,
With all due respect, you can’t honestly believe what you’re saying. The closing of the Deely unit is a good thing. It’s one of the oldest power units in the CPS inventory and has long been in need of modernization. As one of the older units, it’s also the most polluting. San Antonio has been hovering around nonattainment for along time now. They were in trouble before President Obama got into office. If I remember correctly, they began to get into trouble with the EPA during the Bush administration.
You can’t discount the importance of alternative energy sources. I do agree with you that oil and natural gas will remain the mainstays of our energy mix for a long time to come, but their time is limited. We need to move forward with alternative energy sources. Not to do so is irresponsible. America has got to find a way to become competitive in these markets. Today these industries have to compete in a global market wher the competition (China) is heavily subsidized by government money. Unless we do the same, these energy sources will have a tough time moving forward.
Attitudes such as yours will limit our options and put us in the back seat of the global economy.
We have all ready had one rolling black out with prospects of more. Now we are closing a real power plant. Perhaps it should be closed but first it needs to be replaced by another real power plant: coal, gas, oil, or nuclear. You cannot rely on a power source that only works when the wind blows or the sun shines. The bottom line is that we will never be able to compete with China unless we have inexpensive and reliable energy. The Green Agenda is the road to bankruptcy here, just as it has been in Spain. Spain has proven that the Green Agenda does not work. As George Santayana is often quoted: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. Spaniards have paid the price and we can learn from them.
Hey Greg you are a tea party tool, don’t you realise it? Everyone sees through your shallow logic and your ignorant attempt to sell everything that’s not yours off to big oil corporations, for all you can. What a disgrace morality and to American politics!