TED TURNER ON NAT GAS BANDWAGON

New Priorities For Our Energy Future
Ted Turner and T. Boone Pickens, August 17, 2009 (Wall Street Journal)

"Renewable energy and clean-burning natural gas are the basis of a new strategy the world needs to create a cleaner and more secure future. And the global transformation to a clean-energy economy may be the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century…[T]he U.S. sits on top of massive reservoirs of natural gas…more energy than all the oil in Saudi Arabia.

"Harnessing this…plus developing wind, solar and biofuel energy…is essential to achieve three strategic national priorities…Energy security…Economic security…[and] Climate security…Long-term economic and environmental interests compel us to put a priority on energy independence and a price on carbon pollution. Natural gas and renewable energy are obvious sources for cheap, clean and reliable electric power and transportation fuels."

click to enlarge

"In the electricity sector, natural gas is already cheap, available and ready to meet the nation's power needs while improving climate security. It emits about half the carbon dioxide…and far fewer of the heavy metals than does coal…[A] "cash-for-clunkers" program…[retiring old coal plants for new gas plants] can save money and reduce emissions right away…New coal plants should be required to combine natural gas with the coal they burn…and every power plant should meet strict carbon-emissions standards…We should also adopt a strong national standard requiring that electrical generation include a growing percentage of renewable fuels to…[ensure] America's place in the burgeoning global competition for innovative renewable and efficiency technologies….

"In the transportation sector, renewable energy and natural gas can also be deployed immediately. For a quarter century, natural-gas vehicle technology has been available…We can begin transitioning the nation's fleet of 6.5 million 18-wheelers that run regular routes. It would take just 20 refueling stations along a single highway to get trucks from one coast to the other…[U]rban business and government fleets also can quickly move to natural gas…The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach…and many municipalities are harnessing the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas-powered [trucks and] buses."

click to enlarge

"…Advanced biofuels produced from cellulosic material, such as forest residues, municipal waste or even algae, can [also] play a key role in reducing the vulnerabilities, emissions and costs associated with imported oil, while also providing new economic opportunities for America's farm communities.

"The economic, environmental, and national security imperatives of America's energy posture are clear, as is the proven potential of domestic natural resources like gas, wind and solar power. Coupled with energy efficiency, these resources have the potential to help jump-start the economy, drive prosperity and reduce emissions well into the 21st century. The keys are in our hands. All we have to do is unlock the door and start the engine."