So how do we make the transition to reacting rationally? Since the oil crisis of 1973, we have only grown more dependent on foreign oil and there doesn't seem to be any change in that course over the next five years, which is the absolute minimum it would take to develop any new sources, including ANWR.
Unfortunately, I tend to fall on the side of foreseeing a "national security" type solution, where oil becomes even more of a catalyst for conflict because it is simply too difficult to overcome the political barriers to self-sufficiency.
That's not to say I advocate such an approach. I just don't see any other resolution on the horizon.
It is purely a matter of political spine among guys on our side, and their calculation of the present state of public opinion and rhetoric. The green position is flimsy, scientifically and as a matter of political alliances. They carry the day in politics because the right is afraid of them, the right is afraid of them largely because of press, the press kowtows without even a pretence of debate because the right does not challenge green BS as the BS it so obviously is.
You come up with a program of environmental regulation that actually makes economic sense and addresses real science but not scaremongering. That acts as your political cover and defense. Then you systematically destroy the greens' regulatory arsenal. You allow new dams to be built. You allow new oil wells to be drilled. You allow new power plants, nuclear included. You regulate real issues like sulphur content of coal but allow new uses of coal when sensible cleaning measures are included. You expedite gas infrastructure held up over pipelines rights and the like. Depreciation and depletion schedules and similar regulatory and tax changes can encourage long term investments in these areas.
The greens had to get the state to systematically block every form of energy investment and development. The state is holding the entire sector back, on purpose. You can make an enourmous difference just by abating this constant interference and pressure in all the wrong directions. If the state wants to see energy development it should stop forbidding energy development and demonizing the entire industry, and instead encourage that industry. Duh.