To the editor: Contributing author Joel Kotkin argues that California is harming itself by pushing renewable power whereas leaving oil and fuel within the floor (“The high cost of California’s green energy policies,” Could 7). However that’s like saying a smoker is harming himself by quitting too early. The true harm comes from persevering with to burn fossil fuels, that are driving wildfires, warmth waves and drought throughout the state.
In response to the newest annual examine by Clean Jobs California, clear power already employs about 545,000 Californians — excess of the fossil gas sector — and people jobs are rising sooner. Sure, clear power have to be made extra equitable, however the reply is best coverage, no more air pollution. Let’s not overlook that low-income households are affected extra by air pollution and local weather change.
Kotkin additionally claims California’s efforts don’t have a lot impression however ignores the truth that we’re not alone. The EU, Canada, Japan, South Korea and dozens of U.S. states have bold renewable power and local weather targets. The worldwide transition is already underway. California’s management helps drive that momentum, decrease world costs and form coverage worldwide.
Brent Jacobson, Chino Hills
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To the editor: Kotkin conveniently doesn’t point out simply how quickly the worth of photo voltaic panels and the battery storage of electrical energy have been coming down over the previous few years. It’s beautiful. And if the current previous is any information, the worth collapse shouldn’t be about to cease.
As environmentalist Invoice McKibben once reminded us, “We stay on a planet the place the most affordable strategy to produce energy is to level a sheet of glass on the solar.” The result’s a “water-into-wine miracle.” Coal, oil and pure fuel are all historical past.
Peter L. Coye, Pomona
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To the editor: Nowhere in Kotkin’s article does he point out the price of not doing something. The worth tag for not eliminating fossil fuels and constructing a renewable financial system is larger: extra devastating fires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, systemic ecological collapse, warming oceans — mainly, an unlivable planet.
J.J. Flowers, Dana Level
