In last night's nomination acceptance speech, Mitt Romney set a goal of having the U.S. become energy independent by 2020. That's similar to John Kennedy's goal of putting a man on the moon... a huge leap of faith.
In the post "North American energy independence by 2020″, David Middleton gives all sorts of facts and figures that conclude that "Based on these numbers, North American energy independence could be achieved by 2027." Now that is North American, not U.S., energy independence. Still, that is directionally where Mitt Romney wants to take the U.S. [h/t Anthony Watts]
There are many issues to be resolved ... and quickly ... if the U.S. is to seek energy independence.
- Export policy - would ... and could ... the U.S. restrict its exports of oil, coal, and natural gas to force consumption at the local level? Conversely, would the U.S. make it more difficult to import oil from beyond North America?
- Regulation - can the Environmental Protection Agency regulations be reeled in? Can the regulatory and permitting processes be streamlined and accelerated?
- Taxation - will tax code reflect energy policy?
- Overcoming entrenched opposition - becoming energy independent is not simply a matter of resources development.
The fastest way to energy independence is:
- Reversal of the coal-to-natural-gas conversions occurring under the Obama administration for the generation of electricity.
- Expansion of nuclear powered electricity generation to augment coal as a substitute for natural gas.
- Development of a natural gas infrastructure to fuel vehicles as an alternative use of natural gas rather than to fuel electricity plants ... combined with incentives to automotive manufacturers to expand their offerings for natural gas powered vehicles ... a decades-old technology that is primarily limited to fleets at present.
- Expansion of oil exploration in federally-controlled lands/offshore.
- Streamlining the judicial process to settle a myriad of blocking lawsuits that will come from those special interests who are philosophically opposed to these actions.
This is all possible under the heading "anything is possible." Is it probable or plausible? A better question is: will someone lead the way in the face of fanatical and often irrational opposition?