Chris Holden

As a result of the British Petroleum oil spill, we are reminded how fragile the line is that separates man’s needs from the delicate balance of nature. This catastrophe jarred an evolved ecosystem, leaving it in potential ruin—all because of our dependence on oil and fossil fuels.  Most oil companies race to drill deeper and faster to meet consumer demand, and in so doing, BP may have exceeded the bounds of sound judgment, leading to an accident that will devastate lives, the local economy, and the environment for generations.

The time is overdue to shift our public policy away from reliance on offshore drilling and toward cleaner, safer alternative energy production.  As consumers, we need to demand an increase in production of electric and biofuel automobiles and greater accessibility to alternative fueling locations.

President Obama and Congress recognize the importance of comprehensive legislation to mandate a new energy direction for America.  The House has already passed a clean energy bill, and the Senate is expected to take up the measure later this year.  All the while, a number of European countries have moved more aggressively toward alternative energy solutions. Now, it’s our turn.

With the effects of greenhouse gasses leading to global climate change, and our dependence on carbon-producing fuels impacting the well-being of our planet, we all have a responsibility to change the way we live.  Wind, solar, electric, and biofuels are but a few technologies that we must invest more resources in developing.  President Obama, in his address to the nation, described this effort with the same tone used to embrace the new frontier of space exploration during the 1960s: with vision, courage, and resolve.

In 2006, California took a bold step toward carbon reduction by passing AB32, which set the goal of reducing carbon emissions to 1990′s levels by the year 2020 (a necessary step if we are to make progress in cleaning the air and changing our behavior as consumers and producers.)  Pasadena has also made strides to reduce the carbon footprint and become a more sustainable community.  By adopting the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and United Nations Urban Environmental Accords, Pasadena is contributing toward improving environmental conditions by one person committed to change, leading to one neighborhood, then one community.  As the President would say, “We are the change we seek.”

These policies, plans, and initiatives will give incentives to companies to develop a better way.  This green economy is being ushered in by new companies developing new technologies in solar and wind power.  Pasadena companies like eSolar are at the forefront of renewable technology.  eSolar creates power-plant technology using small, flat mirrors that track the sun with high precision, and reflect the sun’s heat to a tower-mounted receiver, which boils water to create steam. This steam powers a traditional turbine and generator to produce solar electricity, technology that is clean, smart and creating new jobs along the way.

But don’t forget that you, too, can reduce carbon emissions by simply turning off a light switch when leaving a room or taking a bike or public transportation to work. Each of us has the ability—and responsibility—to take part in this effort. (Click here for more energy-saving tips from Pasadena Water and Power.)

Some say reducing offshore oil drilling would adversely impact businesses, jobs, and the economy.  The simple answer: yes, but for the good.  We would have to change from our fossil-fuel dependent ways to cleaner energy options, while developing new businesses and new jobs. Protecting our land, oceans, and air is our greatest legacy to the next generation. We cannot afford to abuse the planet without that delicate balance tipping out of control.