Renewable Energy's Future

Abstract

This guest editorial is by Mike McCormack, executive director of the Institute for Science & Society, Ellensburg, Wash. A chemist by education, McCormack spent 20 years as a research scientist at the Hanford Atomic Energy Commission facility before serving in Congress from 1970 to 1980. He chaired the House Subcommittee on Energy Research & Production from 1972 through 1980 and was author of major renewable energy and nuclear fusion legislation. McCormack was the nation's first "Solar Energy Man of the Year" and received the American Chemical Society's 1999 Parsons A. In April, the Clinton Administration submitted to Congress the Comprehensive Electricity Competition Act (S. 1047 and H.R. 1828). It would mandate, among other provisions, that by 2010,7.5% of U.S. electricity be produced using "renewable energy resources," except hydroelectricity. At first glance, such a proposal may seem a worthy environmental goal, but in truth, it is totally unrealistic and dangerously misleading. Understanding this matter now is of fundamental importance to our nation's future. ...This guest editorial is by Mike McCormack, executive director of the Institute for Science & Society, Ellensburg, Wash. A chemist by education, McCormack spent 20 years as a research scientist at the Hanford Atomic Energy Commission facility before serving in Congress from 1970 to 1980. He chaired the House Subcommittee on Energy Research & Production from 1972 through 1980 and was author of major renewable energy and nuclear fusion legislation. McCormack was the nation's first "Solar Energy Man of the Year" and received the American Chemical Society's 1999 Parsons A. In April, the Clinton Administration submitted to Congress the Comprehensive Electricity Competition Act (S. 1047 and H.R. 1828). It would mandate, among other provisions, that by 2010,7.5% of U.S. electricity be produced using "renewable energy resources," except hydroelectricity. At first glance, such a proposal may seem a worthy environmental goal, but in truth, it is totally unrealistic and dangerously misleading. Understanding this matter now is of fundamental importance to our nation's future. ...