T. Boone’s Plan
Posted on July 22nd, 2008 by Cynical Optimist
Watch the video first.
Now, he doesn’t talk in this video about solar, hydro, biomass, wave or nuclear energy, and I got the sense that this plan isn’t designed to solve all our energy problems, but to give us 30 or 40 years breathing space in which we can solve our problems. http://www.pickensplan.com/
I also looked at Gore’s Plan. Or, more correctly, Gore’s speech. He didn’t have a plan, just another pie in the sky political speech. He does talk about using all those other sources but it’s more of a “we better change or we’re all gonna die” type of thing. There were no specifics other than lowering payroll taxes and instituting a carbon tax.
Yeah, right Al.
As someone who has been around the oil and gas industry since the late 70s T. Boone Pickens is not an unfamiliar name. While I agree with Pickens on some of his points I have to wonder if people realize that T. Boone isn’t doing this as a “patriotic American”… he has a large chunk invested in each and every alternative he’s promoting. Not that good old capitalism isn’t bad, it gets things done but his promotion comes at a time that gives the impression that he doesn’t benefit from this… only the American people.
Now having said that… I favor Natural Gas expansion and Compressed Natural Gas might be a good way to go with automobiles but there isn’t a network of providers…. no traveling cross country with a Natural Gas powered vehicle. My father-in-law had a propane powered truck and he ran into quite a few problems finding sources when traveling and propane is more readily available.
As to the wind power. Great but I can guarantee you that NIMBY will raise it’s ugly head. If Senator Kennedy doesn’t have to look at a wind generator why should I will be the attitude. The Permian Basin of West Texas is covered with wind farms and they are already running into opposition with expansion. This is country that isn’t exactly ‘beautiful” to the average person but the folks there don’t want it on their land…… NIMBY rules the day.
Pickens is no fool. He survived the oil bust of the 80s and he has some good ideas and at least he has the experience in energy to put some ideas to actual use. Unlike Gore he has not tied his plan to fear either.