BCT Editorial – 8/15/08

This page was last updated on August 17, 2008.

Starting now; Editorial; Beaver County Times; August 15, 2008.

The editorial subtitle is “The quickest way to energy independence is through conservation.”

Once again the Times jumps on “conservation” as a key to our energy salvation. It’s not clear to me if the Times considers conservation and efficiency to be synonyms. They are not. Though not perfect, here’s an example of how I draw the distinction. Conservation is when you cut energy consumption by turning your house thermostat up/down to the point you’re no longer comfortable. Efficiency is being able to keep your house at a comfortable temperature in a cost-effective manner.

The editorial conceded, “Developing alternative energy sources is a long and tedious process.” How did that get through the editing process? While making sure to tell us how long it takes to build nuclear power plants and that new domestic oil/gas production “won’t arrive for decades,” outlets like the Times aren’t supposed to mention the economic viability and implementation issues of “alternative energy sources.” Let’s hope no one gets fired over this goof. <g>

Finally, there’s no way we’ll ever become energy independent via “conservation.” It’s hard to imagine the editorial author doesn’t know this. Just as any other part of a responsible energy portfolio, conservation and efficiency will take us only so far. Unless someone repeals the laws of physics, as we know them, we’ll always need more energy to grow.