Letter to the Editor: Energy policy must focus on clean, renewable sources

[Editor’s note: This letter is directed to Garrett Hawkins, president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, who penned the opinion piece titled, “A long-awaited reset for US energy policy,” which appeared in the Feb. 16 edition of Springfield Business Journal.] 

I read and then reread your guest column in SBJ, and quite frankly could not believe someone could talk about energy policy without discussing the scientifically proven problem of greenhouse gases raising temperatures and causing sea levels to rise. Also causing ocean temperatures to increase, causing more and worse hurricanes, as well as heat waves, droughts, wildfires and other forms of extreme weather.   

What is causing increased greenhouse gases? Duh! The burning of fossil fuels, a fact verified by the vast majority of scientists around the world and also accepted as true by presidents of both parties for many years. 

I could go on and on but want to make one point: World population reached 1 billion in 1804, 2 billion in 1927, 3 billion in 1960 and is now over 8 billion. Common sense tells me that we may need to be doing some things differently regarding our environment. 

One other point: You mention the Grain Belt Express loan guarantee being canceled, despite having been approved by all four states and obtained easements by a large majority of farmers it would go through by voluntary negotiations benefitting the farmers.  Plus, the Missouri Public Service Commission found that this project would save Missourians $15 billion-$17 billion in lower electric costs.  

So, Mr. Hawkins, I would hope you would consider the scientific facts indicating our world, our country and our state need to transition to clean, renewable energy, not just for our current generation but also mainly for future generations.

—Charlie O’Reilly, Springfield