You should know how much I appreciate the Multinational Monitor. It is most timely in this period of world-wide growth and greed.
The April 1992 issue promoting new energy directions focuses on an issue that I consider essential for survival of this planet - safe, renewable energy. The Gulf War to protect U.S. access to oil, and the Administration's continued commitment to nuclear power despite the hazard of nuclear waste disposal are examples of multinational policies that make us an endangered species.
I promote solar, wind and hydrogen power whenever I can. The Multinational Monitor will be a wonderful new resource.
With appreciation and admiration.
Maggie Kuhn
Gray Panthers
Philadelphia, PA
To the editor:
Your editorial "A Wrong Step" (April 1992) likewise strays from the straight and narrow when, in describing the road to a safe energy future, it states, "Down the road, the goal should be decentralization..."
Like many other left-wing/environmental publications, MM perpetuates the notion that decentralization is merely a possible "fringe benefit" of solar energy. In fact, community control of energy production and distribution is the means of obtaining a solar future, and it is this very fact that contributes to solarĘs unpopularity among the powers that be.
Consider some basic questions. Given the overwhelming benefits of solar energy, why arenĘt we using it more? Is it because Secretary of Energy Watkins doesnĘt know that nuclear energy is dangerous? DoesnĘt George Bush know that solar energy doesnĘt have to be imported? If we write to Congress enough, will they achieve for us a self-reliant, safe energy future?
If we are to save the planet (and ourselves) we have to gain control over our technology choices. The environmental and economic dilemma we are in is not due to choosing the wrong technologies. The right technologies were chosen - by and for the people who benefited from them. We cannot rely on the Department of Energy, the President or Congress to make the switch for us to solar energy, just as we cannot rely on Exxon to start manufacturing solar panels. The issue is not "clean" energy versus "dirty" energy, or safe energy versus unsafe energy. The issue is, who is making our technology choices and who is benefitting from them.
Eric Weltman
Washington, DC