CA and the need for fossil fuels

Speaking truth to (“green”) power, environmental science expert Vijay Jayaraj analyzes in RealClearEnergy why CA requires fossil fuels. Despite Newsom’s push to abandon non-renewables (in lieu of intermittent, unreliable energy sources), fossil fuels remain necessary for products like fertilizers, plastics, and shoes—on which CA’ns daily rely.

It is easy for anyone to say that they are against fossil fuels. Opposition to coal, oil and natural gas is fashionable and will prompt heads to nod and even hands to applaud in most places. 

But are people aware of the extent to which their lives are dependent on fossil fuels? Do they know that more than 90 percent of things used in their everyday lives are derived from fossil fuels?

From your toothbrush to your car tire, a majority of the things you use today has been made possible because of fossil fuels. Shoes, refrigerators, washing machines, coffee makers, furniture, pens, eating utensils, eyeglasses, commodes, medical gear, camping equipment, and the list goes on and on. 

Consider the computer or the phone from which you are reading this article. They are made of glass, metal, plastic, lithium and silicon – all of which require fossil fuels to mine, process or manufacture. While some are chemical derivatives of fossil fuels, all depend one way or another on their combustion for electricity generation, process heat or transportation….

The campaign against fossil fuels focuses on their use in the generation of electricity. However, every part of our material life is made better by fossil fuel derivates. They help us live more efficiently, safely and in an environmentally friendly way, reducing poverty and helping billions enjoy decent and safe lives.

This article originally appeared in RealClearEnergy. Read the whole thing here.

Follow Opportunity Now on Twitter @svopportunity

Image by Gerry Machen