Clean energy is better for so many reasons

http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/jul/07/clean-energy-is-better-for-so-many-reasons\
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In these challenging times, we are all painfully aware of the threats to both
our national and our economic security. Our foreign affairs and national defense
policies as well as our economy are linked to our energy policy through our
dependence on foreign oil. There is no doubt we Americans rely on foreign oil,
and we are sending billions of dollars overseas to pay for oil, leaving us
vulnerable to unstable or hostile regimes. Our oil expenditures in 2008 broke
down to equal: $1.2 billion every day; $50 million every hour; $837,000 every
minute; and $14,000 every second.

It's more than just oil that threatens our national security. Other weaknesses
in our nation's energy systems pose great security and financial risks. Power
outages and power quality issues cost the United States an estimated $119
billion to $188 billion every year and our fragile electricity grid puts our
military operations and bases at risk. But there is a way to keep more of our
money at home while simultaneously strengthening our national security and our
economy.

Transitioning to a clean energy economy would allow us to free ourselves from
our dependence on foreign oil. Clean energy policies will help us make this
transition and start generating our power from renewable sources here at home,
instead of relying on sources of energy that require our presence in perilous
parts of the world. An improved electricity grid will help save Americans money
while providing a more secure, reliable electricity system. What's more, relying
on clean, renewable sources of energy instead of dirty carbon-based fuels will
help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and solve the climate crisis. The impacts
of climate change, security experts warn, could further destabilize politically
vulnerable regions around the world.

By reducing our reliance on foreign oil, not only will we reduce our exposure to
energy conflicts overseas, we will also keep our energy dollars here in the
U.S., where we can invest in American businesses and jobs and strengthen our
economy. If we spend our energy dollars here at home, we can expand our clean
energy production capabilities and increase our use of renewable energy and
energy saving technologies. Relying on renewable energy sources would create
millions of jobs, many in our most struggling industries – and these are jobs
that can't be outsourced. Clean energy policies will save us money, too. Energy
saving technologies could save households approximately $750 by 2020 and $3,900
by 2030, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

And, increased clean energy investments will help generate jobs in Ohio.
According to a recent study by the Center for American Progress, investing in
Ohio's clean energy economy could create thousands of jobs.

The United States is already a world leader in so many areas. Isn't it time we
took a leading role in developing a global clean energy economy? In this moment,
we have the opportunity to improve our national security and strengthen our
domestic economy by supporting and investing in clean energy. As we celebrate
the independence of our nation this week, let's protect America and declare our
energy independence as well. It's time for a change. It's time to repower
America.