Charles Krauthammer: Critical Thinking on Energy

townhall.com ^ | June 20, 2008 | Charles Krauthammer

[okie01]

Conservation alone can probably give us 20 to 30 years - a generation - to find alternative technologies.

Conservation is a legitimate tool -- though not necessarily a decisive one. Fact is, we already practice a higher degree of conservation now than we did, say, fifty years ago. That's because, over time, the free market automatically leads to the most efficient use of resources.

And we should continue to practice conservation in accord with market forces rather than a government mandate. When re-cycling, for example, becomes worth our while, we'll do it without it being mandated by the government. Otherwise, re-cycling is probably a waste of the resources involved -- no matter how much "feel good" allowance is banked.

By the same token, as the price of oil escalates (if it does), I'm certain that additional means of conservation will be developed and undertaken. A generation's worth is probably realistic.

Don't mistake me. I'm all in favor of conservation. I am, after all, a conservative.