Energy Supply Policy Does Not Have Free Lunch

by Bruce Goodman

Comprehensive energy supply policy needs to simultaneously address concerns about climate, energy security, and economic viability.  Anyone who advocates a program on a single issue needs to be viewed skeptically.  The wind does not blow nor the sun shine all the time.  There is no single answer – technical nor policywise – to all the problems and issues.  There needs to be a consensus that the free market does not appear to be ready to provide answers.  The government needs to kick start the problem-solving process with clear goals and simple programs.  Everyone needs to accept that the perfect energy supply policy will not spring automatically out of this process.  Energy prices will inevitably increase – there is no free lunch.  Even a long journey begins with but a single step.  That step must now be taken, both at the state and federal levels.