Messed up priorities

The USA is facing higher bills, and potential shortfalls for our energy use. Bush has committed a lot of our tax dollars towards ‘alternative’ energy sources – mostly coal [stop-gap and dirty], hydrogen [not really a source], and nuclear [expensive]. But there are two things that can have a huge impact on energy prices. These only require a tiny amount of funding compared to the other projects, and the results can bring returns much faster. I’m speaking about conservation and efficiency.

Unfortunately, someone has really messed up priorities: The Department of Energy’s proposed 2007 budget will cut $152 million from this year’s budget for energy-efficiency programs. Arrgg! This money is a drop in the bucket compared to what could be saved through efficiency. What’s so bad about doing more with less?