Tux Turkel’s April 12 op-ed, “As long as we feel entitled to cheap oil, we’re losing,” makes a point few Americans contemplate. Fossil fuel use is causing wars, damaging our economy and heating up the planet, causing extreme weather.

None of this is necessary. The technology exists to economically switch to renewables. China is way ahead of America in this regard. It costs less to develop renewable sources now than to mine fossil fuels or build gas plants. The major problem is that the American fossil fuel industry is so invested in its infrastructure and makes billions from selling fossil fuels. Consequently these companies do not care if burning fossil fuel causes wars and damages America and the atmosphere. Despite this, 32% of the world’s energy now comes from renewable sources and this percentage is growing. 

Look at our current situation. A substantial percentage of the world’s fossil fuels are now blocked at the Strait of Hormuz. It is unclear how long the war with Iran will last and whether the Strait will be a free waterway when the war ends. A full-court press to increase the use of renewable energy in America now would bring down our electric costs and decrease the cost of gasoline because there would be less competition for it. Electric car drivers seldom notice gas prices. With a robust renewable energy base, there would be less motivation to go to war and life in the U.S. would be more economical.

Nancy Hasenfus
Brunswick