Energy and the status quo

Oil and gas

Regarding “Oil and gas needs to accept climate reality, Biden help in winding down,” ( Jan. 29): Consumers of petroleum products are the ones who are releasing carbon dioxide into the environment — commuters and truck drivers; vacationers driving, flying or cruising; residential heating, hot water and cooking, etc. The demand for today’s fuels will not change until consumers replace their energy-using equipment. This will require decades, new technology and large investments. Meanwhile, if we shut down production of oil and gas in this country, it will be replaced with imported fuels.

Tomlinson’s advice to wind down our oil industry will result in unreliable, more expensive energy for consumers, the loss of good jobs, the further ballooning of our trade deficit as well as the empowerment of malign petro-states such as Russia. Such an outcome could undermine public support for the project with drastic consequences for the environment.

Ross Alexander Mclaurin, Boerne

Regarding “Let’s tackle climate without destroying jobs,” (A17, Jan. 31): Rep. Dan Crenshaw attempts to stoke discord and ignores reality. As demonstrated by GM’s commitment to electric vehicles, clinging to extractive industries is a losing proposal. Weather-related disasters regularly remind us that it is imperative to act now to reduce emissions. The clean energy industry offers a way to do that more cheaply and to provide workers safer and more secure jobs than does an unnecessary pipeline project. Both political parties need to address these economic and environmental risks instead of trying to preserve the status quo.

Mike Grimes, Houston