Why do we need to urge Congress on the Picken's plan?

Question

By that I mean, why get Congress involved at all? If companies and utilities want to build wind turbines where it's windy, more power (pardon the pun) to them.

If that frees up cheaper natural gas for vehicle fuel, won't the automakers accomodate that? They already build NG cars for other markets, and even Honda builds one for the American market.

Answer 1

Congress should not be involved at all.

At some point, either fossil fuels will become cost prohibitive as they run out, or a cost effective renewable energy source will be discovered. Markets would naturally determine the proper timing of this transition. Congress's involvement will likely only ensure that the wrong technology is forcibly developed, and/or that it is implemented before it is cost effective.

To me, it seems that Pickens is wise enough (or corrupt enough, depending on your perspective) to take advantage of the current green movement bonanza, and I am sure that he will receive his share taxpayer subsidized alternative energy "profits".

Answer 2

Mr. Pickens is a borderline fraud, I think.  He has all sorts of land, water, utility and local government interests in West Texas.  He is trying to drum up money to protect his investments and interests.  Has he asked you for money, yet?

Answer 3

Pickens is promoting a plan to help the trucking industry, not the average driver. To get the venture capital together to build NG stations across the country is going to take a tax break by Congress similar to what happened with the railroads, electrification, and telephone services when they initially were trying to become nationally available services.

Answer 4

if life was as simple as that.   private companies can build the wind generators but to get them built you have to go jump through all of the government hoops and then the eco freaks will take you to court to stop you from vision polution and when you get all past that the guy next door has to take you to court for ruining his view so as i look at the problem we can have this project up and running in say 15 to 20 years and with the added expense then coal is still the cheapest fuel to make electricity from    get the point    mr  doodles

Answer 5

You';re right, free enterprise is the answer.  When the government gets involved we are headed for disaster.  Most of the problems we have with energy was caused by the government.  This is why we need to elect Bob Barr this year.