Not sure what to make of this letter -- first, very little electricity is generated by oil thanks to the Carter Administration's policies to get electricity off oil. While Carter is criticized for many things, this is one point we can be proud about -- imagine how much more dependent on oil we'd be had Carter not demanded that change! Second, to say environmentalists are hypocrites because they drive cars or use electricity is like calling people who oppose air pollution hypocrites because they breath it! Our problem is that there are few alternatives to NOT drive and use electricity in our homes, and environmentalists are simply pushing for conservation (Energy Star appliances; CFL light bulbs) and cleaner alternatives (more wind, solar, and geothermal power). The problem is that society doesn't offer us alternatives to polluted energy because monopolies (such as Rocky Mountain Power) make decisions for consumers and offer only one choice (mostly coal-fired power) or short-sighted car companies (e.g., GM, Ford, and Chrysler) offer us few transporation choices (mostly gas guzzlers). GM put out an electric vehicle in the mid-1990s that had it continued advances on it, we'd probably be driving alternative vehicles now on cheaper electricity!

if everyone was driving electric cars, electricity would cost more because of the greater demand.

You forgot to mention Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes, BMW and a host of others. They've done little of anything toward an electric car. And do you actually foresee an electric-powered 18-wheeler?

I think I can tell you what to make of this letter, Reality check. The writer thinks that people on both sides of this issue should work together to solve the energy situation that we currently have. I think that means that environmentalists may have to remember to factor in freedom when they try to impose their views of how we should all live our lives. That may be tough to swallow, because most lefties only believe in freedom when it comes to being perverse, abortion on demand, and freedom for criminals and terrorists. Electric cars have not advanced because consumers, in the name of freedom, did not want them. Now that energy costs have become outrageously high, the free market will possibly bring about change. Enviros and lefties should be more about using their resources to advance the alternatives they tout, and less about imposing their will on others. Sell the value of conservation to others, don't impose it with heavy handed rules. Many of these rules that have been imposed will bring a whole new set of problems. Just try to properly dispose of these new light bulbs we are all going to be required to use.

I say let us all operate on daylight only. When the sun's up work and play. Factories can use electricity to run during daylight hours only. When night falls, everyone stop and go to sleep.

We'll all be a lot less cranky for getting adequate sleep. Marriage relations will likely improve from increased opportunity for pillow talk. Flashlight manufacturers will reap windfall profits from kids sneaking a read under the blankets. And just think of all the energy we conserve by cutting back on our 24/7 lifestyle.

The whole so called energy crisis is a lie brought on with propoganda from the Bush administration. We are not in a national energy crisis. We have plenty of oil to run our SUV's and country. The Go green lie is also part of the greater lie. We as citizens of America need to stand up against those in political power positions and remind them that We the people run the government, not the other way around.

If alternative, "renewable" energy sources could lower power bills half a cent, they would already be in use.

Power companies have no incentive to invest in sources that cost more. There need be no other reason (such as a conspiracy to maintain power and money) to stick with what we have.

I believe that all sources of energy must be developed and cleaned up especially nuclear. Unfortunately wind and solar power can never be developed to a point where they total even 2% of our requirements

Folks should check facts before writing letters to the editor.

Coal generates just over half of US electricity, and its price hasn't gone up like oil.

Oil generates only a small percentage of US electricity.

Solar electricity is by far the most expensive of all. Wind energy is not very efficient, requiring thousands of unsightly windmills for a single city.

Nuclear power is clearly the best large-scale source, and nearly as cheap as coal (based on actual rates paid today by consumers).

Wind and solar, you sayin' it don't make it so. Please tell us where you got the 2% comment? If you can produce a credible source for us to check on, I'll kilowatt.