While your cover story "Why America Needs an Energy Diet" [April 28-May 5] may be correct, I suggest that a more pressing need is for a practical and sane national energy policy.
Interestingly, the Washington Whispers cartoon on Page 12 of the same issue offers a number of possibilities. Our government has been held hostage by the unreasonable views of the environmental community, leaving 300 million citizens unable to avail themselves of energy resources in their own country and offshore. No other nation on this planet would allow its economy and security to be dependent on the actions and policies of an international petroleum cartel like we have when its own resources could be developed.
Leroy K. Wheelock
Albuquerque, N.M.
The president and Congress could help Americans reduce their utility costs and electric consumption by providing taxpayers with incentives. A suggestion: tax reductions to those who can show (via copies of utility bills) significant reductions in the amount of power they purchase for their homes in a given year.
Paul Feiner
Town Supervisor
Greenburgh, N.Y.
Our present economic situation for the most part is due to the cost of oil. Decades ago, when we wanted to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or offshore, or build nuclear power plants or even refineries, it was the Democrats who listened to the environmentalists and said no. We are now raising corn for fuel, which has driven up the cost of meat, wheat, dairy, and other food products. Energy alternatives are in the distant future. We need programs now to get more oil.
Roger Dellinger
Scottsdale, Ariz.
When the U.S. government stops squandering prodigious amounts of energy foolishly in Iraq, I will change to more energy-efficient light bulbs like the one on your cover.
John Patrick Keelan
Kewadin, Mich.
I appreciate the suggestions to help save energy. However, you failed to mention the best alternative for lawn mowers is the manual reel push mower ["Small Moves You Can Take to Conserve"]. It uses no fuel and is safer, quieter, and cleaner than any other option. And it does a great job mowing the lawn to boot.
Dave Snow
Winchester, Va.
"Green, Not Sacrifice, Is the Word" noted in the subhead: "Politicians eschew sweaters and accentuate the positive." Wearing a sweater is neither discomforting nor a sacrifice and has little in common with hair shirts. Sweaters are a simple, inexpensive way to keep warm in cold weather.
Dianne Wolf
Bushnell, Ill.
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Bob Patrick of SC 7:44PM August 14, 2008