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Energy Policy: Lots of Heat, No Light

Energy Policy: Lots of Heat, No Light

Full Title: Energy Policy: Lots of Heat, No Light
Author(s): Irwin Stelzer
Publisher(s): The Hudson Institute
Publication Date: April 1, 2012
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

Facts are the enemy of truth, warned Miguel de Cervantes in a notable book about the danger of windmills. That is probably the best summary of what is going on in the current election campaign when any candidate turns to energy policy. And think kindly of Cervantes’ hero, “The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote de la Mancha.” He did, after all, make clear his opposition to windmills, and was no more a reality denier than a candidate who promises $2.50 per gallon gasoline within a year of moving into the White House.

Start with President Obama’s facts. The United States consumes 20% of the world’s oil. Undeniable. It possesses only 2% of the world’s oil reserves. True, sort of. Therefore, he contends, we can never drill our way out of our problems. Depends how you define reserves.

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