The True Cost of Renewable Energy

John P. Walker

The United States currently has 279 million acres of land that sits above large volumes of oil and natural gas. Consumers are not aware of this as a whole because the media and government has focused public attention on the need for adopting renewable energy sources.

However, what is not often discussed are the hidden costs of implementing the various methods of renewable energy. What many do not know is that the investments needed for the U.S. to make a timely switch to green technology would cripple our already weak economy.

In order to adopt Wind Energy and fully eliminate our dependence on foreign oil a $2.4 trillion investment would be needed. Using Wind Energy to eliminate our dependence on oil from hostile countries alone would still cost $1.3 trillion.

In order to adopt BioMass Energy and fully eliminate our dependence on foreign oil a $3.1 trillion investment would be needed. Using BioMass Energy to eliminate our dependence on oil from hostile countries alone would cost $1.7 trillion.

In order to adopt Solar Energy and fully eliminate our dependence on all foreign oil a $10.2 trillion investment would be needed. Using Solar Energy to eliminate our dependence on oil from hostile countries would still require the monumental cost of $5.6 trillion.

While no one can argue the need for healthy renewable energy, what one cannot ignore is the government’s lack of willingness to tap the vast oil and natural gas resources located right on U.S. shores such as the projected 800 billion barrels of oil in the Green River Formation (not including the natural gas supplies) spanning Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming and nearly 150 year supply estimated to be in N. Dakota.

We currently import $770 billion of oil a year from foreign countries and 27% of that comes from Communist dictators or Terror supporters (OPEC). By offering 40% of our oil rich lands to bid to oil companies and natural gas companies the country could raise between $400 and $600 billion without raising anyone’s taxes. After the bidding was complete, 4.2 million jobs would be created in the energy sector (high paying) for pipeline building, drilling, and refinery construction. After drilling, we could begin to export oil which would reverse our revenue stream to a positive.

The profit from such a move could be used for offering civilian benefits such as health care; raising Merit pay for teachers, firemen, and police; and beginning infrastructure jobs to up fit America.

In order for this path to stand a chance we must reevaluate the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act to be sure they aren’t simply preventing America from prospering.

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John Walker, co-author of new book Resurrection of a Nation: Solving the Energy, Financial, & Political Crisis in America, is a buyer and marketing executive who credits his 22-year career and faith in God for giving him the ability and desire to actively protect the future of his country.