Part 4: (final)
Sustainable Energy and Responsible Energy Usage are the Keys to Long-Term Economic Health and National Security *

There are many posts related to energy generation already available on this site, so I won’t delve deeply into specifics.  Suffice it to say energy conservation and a transition to renewable energy should be a private and governmental priority second only to stabilizing the economy. 

The easiest way to reduce energy consumption is through conservation.  Often overlooked, businesses and government agencies have a responsibility and economic interest to revamp and upgrade their enormously inefficient plants, warehouses and offices.  A sweeping energy audit rollout for large corporations and governmental agencies could pay huge dividends in a very short timeframe.  Audit results can provide the information necessary to identify and prioritize areas for improvement.  Obsolete, inefficient HVAC systems can be upgraded to modern, high efficiency systems, while incandescent lighting can be replaced with fluorescent and LED fixtures.  Mandatory restrictions won’t be necessary once private businesses realize the savings and return on investment that can be realized through small, incremental improvements on existing buildings, plants and equipment, while major improvements and upgrades can be approved and capitalized through the normal budgetary process with tax incentives providing additional incentives. Governmental agencies, not as burdened by the bottom line, can expedite improvements either through expensing, budgeting, or as the recipient of some type of public works improvement. 

Just as important, individuals can be shown how to save energy.  Websites can be created to explain how and where to conserve energy, while interactive pages can show just how much an individual or family can save by making changes to lifestyle, personal transportation, appliances and other household items.  Additionally, a website can be created which lists all energy-related governmental undertakings, and the public can sponsor any project he or she feels strongly about.  For example, a person can donate $10 toward building a low-temperature geothermal electrical generation plant in Colorado to replace a coal-fired plant.  When the transaction is made, the donor’s name is recorded (if requested) , and bookkeeping entries are made to earmark the funds to the appopriate project.  He or she can then track total donatons to the project, and when the goal is attained, can monitor the construction progress.  Anyone can view the donors and progress of any project at any time.   Users can create buddy or distribution lists to share their sponsorships with groups, family or friends.

It will take patience, perseverance, sacrifice, knowledge and lots of creativity to get us through this economic and environmental crisis, but Americans are a gritty lot.   Keep the course.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3