Jay Honeck wrote:
I think your desire to blame environmentalists is an
oversimplification of a complicated situation. I think your
description of short-sighted leadership is probably pretty correct,
but not for the reasons you like to believe.

Of course there are many aspects of the energy problem. They are all,
however, exacerbated by stupid, over-the-top environmental rules that
are abused by folks with a not-so-hidden agenda.

Just TRY to get something as simple as, oh, say, a runway extension
completed, and observe the almost unbelievable quantity of environmental
red tape that must be overcome. Now imagine building an OIL REFINERY.
Ain't gonna happen with the current set of rules.

If I were "King for a day", I would decree the following "4 Steps to
American Energy Independence":

1. New refineries are not being built because draconian environmental
rules prevent them from being constructed. As of now, all environmental
restrictions on oil refinery construction are lifted.

2. New oil is not being pumped because draconian environmental rules
prevent new oil fields from being developed. As of now all
environmental restrictions on development of known oil reserves are lifted.

3. New nuclear power plants are not being built because draconian
environmental rules prevent their construction. As of now all
environmental restrictions on construction of new nuclear plants are
lifted.

4. By decree, hydrogen fuel is now the way of the future -- period.
From this point on, by my decree, the scientific and industrial
capacity of the United States will be used to perfect a hydrogen
distribution system to replace our current gasoline distribution system,
and all cars will be powered by hydrogen. Source:
http://tinyurl.com/6hklhf

These four steps will, in a matter of a decade, resolve 90% of our
problems. Unfortunately, it will take another Great Depression to shake
our system enough to force a repeal of the environmental restrictions
that make resolving our energy problems impossible.

Well, Jay, just let me say I'm glad you aren't king! :-)