Green on the horizon: Obama v. McCain debate

Among a group of Lakeview Democrats at Sheffield’s Mad Bar & Grill, there was shouting and hooting and, unsurprisingly, many atendees felt Obama won the second Presidential debate. According to another select others, namely undecided Ohio voters watching the debate, Obama also clearly overpowered mean-talking McCain. As a liberal American, I’m proud to say Obama is currently  ‘widening his lead’ according to the latest CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll.

Although, there are still important issues which need visiting! Particularly, ”clean coal” [i.e. using coal-fired power plants with 'carbon sequestration'] and increased offshore drilling to pluralize the USA’s energy portfolio. Considering, according to the Energy Information Administration (supplying Official Energy Statistics for the U.S. Government) the USA imported 20,680,000 barrels PER DAY [in 2007] yet produced only 5,064,000 barrells per day [2007] more options need reviewing, no!?

Barack Obama’s point is completely correct that we should have a pluralised energy economy, but should that include ‘clean coal’ and more ‘drill, baby, drill’? According to a government-funded organisation to research, around 90% carbon sequestration may not be possible until 2012 if not longer. Further, will the current bailout/rescue package facilitate the government to continue to be interested in the development of the green economy?

Such a green economy will provide ethical, environmentally-responsible jobs in booming industries such as recycling and social enterprise. Instead of polarizing America’s energy policies, wouldn’t it make sense to reduce our energy FIRST and then use a portfolio of energy options, to include renewables, nuclear, geothermal based on regional natural energy sources.

~ by Erica Grigg on 09/10/2008.