Fossil Fuels Tied to National Security

Living (and dying) by a fossil fuel economy isn't sustainable from an environmental or an geo-political perspective.

California Congresswoman Jane Harman, former presidential hopeful Gary Hart, and former CIA Director James Woolsey discussed how our international interests are being compromised over continued dependence on foreign oil. The trio, who spoke at the Aspen Ideas Festival, compared the conflicts over oil to the salt wars from the 19th century, citing how governments will intervene internationally when an essential economic product is needed from foreign sources.

U.S. oil interests are beholden to nations in the chaotic Middle East, and that dependency can't be sustained if we want to control our own economic future. When you combine this fact along with the environmental damage done by fossil fuel use, the argument for shifting to renewable fuels.

Harman is optimistic that bills in the House that support the development of plug-in hybrid vehicles and mandate increased fuel economy will become law by the end of the year.