Energy independence is vital to our security

Charles J. Lingo, Henderson

Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008 | 2:07 a.m.

In both world wars the United States was the armory of the free world. It was our independence from foreign energy and materials that allowed us to produce the weapons that eventually won both wars.

The lack of energy independence prevents us from producing goods for international trade at competitive prices. Those selling energy to us are able to increase our costs any time we get close to being competitive by simply increasing the cost of energy. But it is much worse than this.

Energy independence is a matter of national security. Without energy readily available, we are unable to manufacture goods for self-defense. We will quickly use all available fuel for aircraft flight, which means no defense against a major enemy attack. I believe the events in Georgia have proved we may need this capability. Energy independence is necessary for national security.

Energy independence will also mean lower costs for goods and delivery of services. We can do this. As one example, we could produce enough biodiesel fuel from algae on land that is currently not used in any productive way to not only supply all of our own needs, but also for export to reverse our international balance of payments. And diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines.

We need Congress to get out of the way by revoking laws that are nothing but obstructions. Subsidies that are nothing but a support package for inefficiency must be eliminated to give new methods a fair chance.

We not only can achieve energy independence, we must do so, and we must use all available technology. We have a lot of catching up to do. We need to get started.