Letter to the editor: We need energy diversity

In her letter “Driving energy leadership” (May 24, TribLive), Stephanie Catarino Wissman of the American Petroleum Institute says, “When it comes to energy leadership, let’s keep America in the driver’s seat.” Unfortunately, the policies she advocates do exactly the opposite.

Unsurprisingly, Wissman’s prescription is for more oil and gas. That is not “energy leadership.” On the contrary, investments in fossil fuels are a dead end that will leave the U.S. further behind in the global energy race.

Wissman is faced with the reality that other forms of energy are overtaking fossil fuels, and she fears for her industry’s future. Meanwhile, China is getting ahead of us — way ahead. They’re ahead in solar power, wind power and nuclear power. They are delighted the U.S. is so far behind them in the critical energy technologies of the future.

This is a national security issue. In November, vote for a candidate who seeks to diversify our energy mix, combat climate change and keep us competitive on the world stage.

Frederick Hewett

Cambridge, Mass.