Powering the Future
Some claim that the United States is already fully equipped to power itself through alternative energies such as personal solar panels and rooftop wind. The only thing preventing this, they argue, is the political and financial power of “big utilities.” Others contend that alternative energies are expensive, intermittent and not as “green” as their proponents claim, and moreover, that the current technologies are insufficient to generate the necessary amount of power. But who is right?
On March 26, City Club takes this question to the experts, who will attempt to answer this question in concrete terms. They will also explain where most of our energy is likely to come from by 2025; how the typical family’s electric bill will compare to today’s; what conservation steps our country will need to take if it wants to reduce energy consumption; and which technological breakthroughs will be necessary to increase reliance on “green” power.
City Club welcomes journalist Scott Learn from The Oregonian, who will interview Angus Duncan, president and founder, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Rachel Shimshak, executive director, Renewable Northwest Project and Bob Jenks, executive director, Citizens Utility Board of Oregon.
Please note: The audio file begins a few minutes into the introduction, however the main discussion is there in its entirety.
