Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Thirty-four years and counting

The Las Vegas Sun’s Thursday editorial concerning energy independence, “Forging a new policy,” is accurate and well-meaning.

It does, however, remind me of a proverb — “If you want a new idea, read an old book.” So let’s recall a bit of old history, since the concept of energy independence is not a contemporary idea.

In August 1977 President Jimmy Carter, using energy independence as a primary motive, advocated the establishment of the Energy Department. This organization has grown to more than 16,000 federal employees and more than 96,000 contract employees with the result that billions have been spent, and our great and resourceful nation is still seeking “energy independence.” It didn’t happen in almost 34 years mainly because of the usual suspects — Congress and lobbyists.

Anybody want to guess when energy independence will happen?

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