Letter to the Editor: Grab political opportunities at state economic conference

Dear Editor,

I read with interest that Springfield will host the 2011 Missouri Economic Development Conference. I sincerely hope that participants in that conference recognize the potential leadership opportunities before them that will have lasting benefits.

We can:
• increase our energy and national security by reducing or eliminating our dependence on foreign and domestic oil and gas;

• remove the burdens of fossil fuel subsidies, a hidden tax we all pay;

• ensure that in our future we remain competitive globally;

• protect our environment – the air we breathe, and the water we drink; and

• create new and lasting employment. This is paramount given our current economic condition.

As a former naval officer, and a business owner who has lived and traveled globally for years, I have to say that I am sad to see politicians and industries continue to take short-term positions for the sake of votes and protection on issues which will have lasting consequences. If we continue to do nothing, then that in itself is a choice. Our world will become more skeptical, our health and standards of living will decline, and we will run out of nonrenewable resources in order to support the status quo.

I understand the concerns expressed by senators and representatives from coal-dependent states. Change requires cost. However, our fossil fuel supplies are finite, and they will run out. We have options today. If we decide to do nothing, our future costs will be enormous and our options limited.

Our politicians were elected to represent the greater good. For the sake of the generations to come, I encourage them to take a long-term view and be a leader. Don’t like the proposals from Sens. Kerry and Graham? Work to fix them or at least work to level the playing field by removing the fossil fuel subsidies. Do this, then let’s see if solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy are really as uncompetitive as they are portrayed.

—Zeke Fairbank
The Alternative Energy Co. LLC