I was disappointed by the very apparent fossil fuel bias in the lopsided Edward Cross op-ed “The US cannot lose its energy advantage” (Oct. 13). Yes, America needs to maintain its energy dominance to deliver ample affordable energy to its citizens. However, in many areas of the country, renewable energy sources are cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. But current U.S. policy favors fossil fuel producers with billions in subsidies while blocking wind and solar development projects on federal lands and elsewhere. And contrary to Cross’ comments about environmental responsibility, the oil and gas industry has a long way to go to clean up its act.
Consensus science recognizes the burning of fossil fuels is the primary driver of our warming world. The result is more and longer-lasting droughts, rising sea levels, greater flood and storm damage, and more intense wildfires. And who pays? It’s U.S. citizens, not fossil fuel companies, who pay for damages made worse by burning fossil fuels. Citizens pay with their taxes, property loss, health impacts and higher insurance rates.
If Cross were really interested in a future of energy dominance that reflects a fair and free market, he’d recognize producers should be unsubsidized and fossil fuel costs should reflect the damage their products cause.
In addition, Cross would be talking about an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Instead, he speaks of energy dominance reflecting market “realities.” The “reality” today is that the playing field is tilted by the current administration’s policies in favor of fossil fuels over cheaper, cleaner renewable energy — to the detriment of all citizens.
— Andrew Panelli, Homer Glen
Real wave of US energy future
The op-ed by Edward Cross made me wonder if, in the Tribune’s archives of 120 years ago, there is a similar piece by blacksmiths touting the reliability of transportation by horses. The op-ed never uses the word “renewables,” now the cheapest form of energy generation. It never mentions the indirect fossil fuel costs of fires, floods, droughts and rising seas, all of increasing frequency due to fossil-fueled climate change. It never mentions the legacy costs of abandoned wells leaking potent greenhouse gases. It never mentions the direct financial subsidies, tax breaks, and public land lease discounts enjoyed by oil and gas companies.
The fossil fuel industry is several centuries old while the renewable energy industry is several decades old. Which one should be supported as the wave of America’s energy future?
— Albert Wagner, Orland Park
Let fossil fuels fade away
Edward Cross’ op-ed cheerleading for fossil fuels is unadulterated tripe. He trots out the same hackneyed banalities that fossil fuel advocates have been regurgitating for decades. According to Scientific American, wind and solar power paired with battery storage are now cheaper than fossil fuels. They are easier and faster to install, and the energy isn’t subject to price fluctuations.
Fossil fuels are the horse and buggy of this century. They exist only for the enrichment of the few, and they kill people. Let them fade away.
— Jim Arneberg, Hoffman Estates
Weakness in fossil fuel reliance
Edward Cross promotes continued reliance on fossil fuels in his opinion piece. I agree with him that access to affordable, reliable energy is necessary for all aspects of life including the sciences, health and technology.
However, his claim that the U.S. leads the world in environmental quality is false; we are not even in the top 20, according to World Population Review. European nations and Japan make up the top 20. The U.S. is at a subpar No. 27.
The U.S. does lead the world in oil production, but that does not give us the so-called “energy independence” that Cross and President Donald Trump’s administration claim we do have. The vast majority of U.S. oil production is light sweet crude. In order to produce the right blend of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, the U.S. must import heavier, higher-sulfur sour crude. Much of that comes from Canada and Mexico.
We all know that Trump has driven wedges between the U.S. and our two closest trading partners, to the point in which both nations are looking elsewhere for more reliable governments to trade with.
The Trump administration’s war of choice in Iran has exposed the weakness in our fossil fuel reliance, and the American people are paying the price at the pump and in the checkout line.
Other countries are outpacing the U.S. in the quest for true energy independence by harnessing the natural world’s abundance in the real renewable energy sources of the sun and wind. Contrary to what Cross states, that is the way to protect American consumers. It is also the key to unleashing American ingenuity, that “can do” spirit that has led the world for decades.
Under Cross’ plan, what we will be leaving future generations is an increasingly hotter planet; shortages of clean, fresh water; and dwindling supplies of food.
More Top Picks Best Ultrawide Monitors For Productivity
— Len Levy, Glenview
Condemn all terrorism
How close must hatred come to a massacre before our leaders find the courage to speak?
Terrorism by a white supremacist deserves the same unequivocal condemnation as terrorism by a foreign extremist. The perpetrator’s identity must never determine the strength of America’s response.
Authorities allege that a white supremacist plotted a mass shooting targeting a Hindu place of worship in Aurora. Prosecutors say his manifesto expressed hatred toward Indian, Jewish and African American people.
An averted massacre demands action. Silence is a failure of leadership. President Donald Trump, Republicans, Democrats, condemn this alleged plot. Condemn white supremacy. Stand together. No political calculations. No selective outrage.
After Sept. 11, leaders united against terror. Threatened congregations deserve that same solidarity.
As a proud American Muslim, I stand with our Hindu neighbors. Every temple, synagogue, mosque and church must be a sanctuary. Words must become action: Protect congregations, confront violent extremism and pursue accountability through due process.
Do not wait for bloodstained sanctuaries, grieving families and rows of coffins to discover your voice.
Leadership means defending Americans before tragedy demands a speech.
— Masood Akhtar, Madison, Wisconsin
When will this nightmare end?
I was an elementary school teacher for 31 years. I am outraged and deeply saddened to read another story about the mass killing of three young children and a teacher at a school in Bend, Oregon. These innocent people were killed by a 16-year-old boy carrying a shotgun purchased by his mother, police said. According to a news database, it was the 28th mass killing in the U.S. this year. When will this nightmare end?
Guns and other devices are being used as a form of terrorism on our city streets and in schools. How can we stop this from happening in our own country, by our own citizens?
The Second Amendment of the Constitution — “the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed” — was written at a different era in our country. Our environment and way of living have changed from when this amendment was written. Specific gun laws should be rewritten and enforced; there should be strict regulations in every state, not just a handful of states.
The families of the children killed at the elementary school in Bend, Oregon, will not be able to celebrate birthdays and holidays with their children for the rest of their lives.
— Patricia Neudecker, Wheeling
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].