Global Warming and the Energy Companies: a New Approach

The evidence on global warming is there for all to see, so I will not bother you with arguments of any kind. The solution is not in ideological-political debate. We must listen under the noise to resolve it.

Imagine that you own an oil-mining company or that you have a major investment in one, or that you are employed by one in West Virginia. What would the talk of ending the use of coal to power electrical generation say to you? It means closing down the company,  losing your investment, or losing your job in a place where you have little prospects for another. Of course you want to resist. Your livelihood is in danger. I am amazed that the politicians who favor conversion to clean power do not understand this.

I would like to propose an alternative approach. Say we see the wisdom of stopping all use of fossil fuels. We need the support of everyone. So, the government could tell the oil and coal companies that in a specified number of years, all subsidies for oil, gas, and coal production will end and that in a few more years after that, all energy production must be clean. However, subsidies will continue for any company that wishes to convert from fossil fuel production to clean energy production, with preference for solar and hydrogen cell technology. Beyond that, the government would guarantee the continued life of the company and full employment for a specified number of years and give out well-thought-out generous grants as needed. It would be a combination of incentives, deadlines, and guarantees, carefully set out so they will be doable, and with built-in flexibility so the government can continue to help if the progress towards clean energy and the prospects of success merit it.

In other words, see where people feel threatened and honor that. Give those people priority in retooling their business toward clean energy. Give monetary and regulatory support for however much time is needed, so long as significant progress is being made. Remove the threat, remove the opposition. Make it a win for everyone. Is anybody out there listening? That's all I'm saying.

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