Thanks to The Durango Herald for the article discussing a possible miscalculation of our oil reserves (Dec. 2).
If we are overestimating production, as the MIT study suggests, now would be the ideal time to invest in renewable sources of energy. Solar and wind have technical challenges, but can be counted on to not run out.
We need oil for many purposes besides energy: medicines, fertilizers, plastics and perhaps for many Durangoans, performance clothing to wear on trails and tires for getting them there.
To encourage development of renewables, a fee on carbon-based energy, returned to households directly, would help stimulate innovation and investment. Right now, more than 60 representatives in the House, evenly split across parties, are part of a caucus working on this and other market-based solutions. Unfortunately, our Rep. Scott Tipton is not yet one of them; we encourage him to join.
Let’s save oil for its more critical uses and work on renewables to secure our future.
Janet Dahlquist
Durango
