“There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country.”
– Theodore Roosevelt, Confession of Faith Speech, Progressive National Convention, Chicago, IL, August 6, 1912

Over and over this election, I have considered what our ancestors would think of the current rhetoric. Energy policy shows signs of advancement and innovation. Ethanol has been properly shunned and real alternatives are being researched. However, hubris and ignorance quickly shift the discussion to domestic drilling. The United States must face the facts: 2% of the world’s oil reserves, 25% of the consumption. Increased drilling is not a solution. It is another delaying factor in finding true alternatives.

That said, conservation must be at the core of these alternatives. Wind farms are another form of defacing nature, hydroelectric generation puts oceanic life at risk and biofuels create energy related demand for crops and food. The ultimate solution will not ignore these risks.