Jan. 14, 2024
I strongly oppose creating a category of companies that could eventually damage our economy or restrict the rights of other property owners. It strikes me as part of a fad, excessively restricting economic activity to not actually solve ecological issues. The gravest risk is that a seemingly small and short term small cut in mining, extracting energy, coal, oil, and gas, could precipitate a downward spiral. Economic cycles will happen no matter what, but if you put a ceiling against growth, then you can only have stagnation or decline. This could trigger social disruptions or unrest that could further damage the economy. The types of economic and social changes that result may be hard to predict, either unintended, excessive, or even a contrary reaction in the opposite direction. I believe the best way to grow energy safely is to encourage engineering, research, financing, and leadership that make all types of energy more efficient and cleaner. I feel people also need the maximum local input of energy types by state and regions, which will be hindered if outside players come in and restrict local control and financing. Giving an out-of-state or even foreign corporation or entity any control would prevent poorer states from developing and would place the United States involuntarily in a competitive disadvantage. Please scrap this idea and focus on maintaining energy capacity adequate for the coldest and hottest day likely based on the full temperature history. Miscalculating the electricity needed on a very cold winter day could cause people to experience extreme discomfort or even death.