Endependence is energy independence that ends dependence on polluting fuels.

Every barrel of oil we don’t consume reduces the market and political power of nations such as Saudi Arabia, no matter where that barrel would have come from. Likewise, every barrel we don’t consume helps the environment and slows global warming, and whether it is foreign or domestic oil makes no difference. Energy conservation is what’s important. Energy independence doesn’t matter. -By Roger Sant and Michael Kinsley Sunday, December 14, 2008; Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/12/AR2008121203280.html

Our sentiments exactly, energy independence doesn’t matter.  Energy Independence is politician speak for “we’re not really going to do anything about our energy challenges.”

That is why we are starting a War for Endependence, the key ingredient of which is ending dependence on polluting fuels.

Sant and Kinsley make the point quite well that the only true independence from “foreign oil” or let’s say “foreign oil from countries we don’t like” will come from reducing our oil consumption to the point where we are only using our own oil or oil from countries we do like.

So, how do we use an ever decreasing amount of oil while keeping a vibrant economy and a good standard of living.  The answer is combination of conservation and substituting renewable energy for oil and other polluting fuels.

Plot it out.  Personal, Local, State and Federal.

You Personally work to reduce the amount of energy you use.  You vote for and support efforts to make investments in solar power, wind power, geothermal power, tidal power, biofuels from plant waste and emerging alternative energy technologies.

Your Local Government discusses and agrees upon an energy plan for your community, including conservation efforts, building codes, identifying potential energy sources currently overlooked (landfill methane, etc.), and transportation issues.

Your State Government plans it’s energy future by formulating a Climate Action Plan.  Is your state white on this map.  If it is, your state politicians are living in a fossil energy dependence dream.

http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/action_plan_map.cfm

The state also makes energy conservation and local alternative energy production part of its DNA.  Strict building code laws and Renewable Portfolio Standard laws for utilities are passed and enforced.

The Federal Government has to actually develop an energy policy.  The United States energy policy up until now can be stated in two words: CHEAP GAS!! Not very far sighted or realistic in the long run.  The government has to take the energy and economic security bull by the horns and “do something” instead of babble on about energy independence.  We need energy infrastructure investments (smart grid, energy saving equipment funding, green economy retraining), an energy Manhattan or Apollo project and a goal and road map to move us toward 100% renewable energy.

Here is T. Boone Pickens having a debate with Stephen Moore of the Wall Street Journal.  You get an idea of the status quo versus an actual energy plan.

http://push.pickensplan.com/video/video/show?id=2187034%3AVideo%3A1553064#

In the War of Independence in 1776, some melted silverware to make bullets, and some marched toward the sound of gunfire.   No efforts were spared, and everyone had a role to play.  It will be the same in the War for Endependence.

You can sign the Declaration of Endependence by clicking on the Declaration link at the top of this page.  Show us how you save energy.  We will copy your good ideas.