I think we should utilize the resources we have here in the United States to the fullest potential. We all know that we will need alternative engergy sources in the future, but NOW we need to mine more coal, drill more wells, etc., to buy us MORE TIME to develop better engery technologies. I think it is crazy we are passing so many new laws that are forcing the industry/United States to turn its back on its own resource. I am a mining engineer (in the coal industry) and I know we have the resources here, but now with all the bills/laws being passed we won't be able to use them due to carbon emissions regulations. The United States is going to shoot themselves in the foot when they choke off being able to "legally" produce energy (electricity, goods, fuel, steel, ect) from coal, crude oil, natural gas, hard rock, etc.
Once we choke ourselves off our OWN ENGERGY RESOURCE, we will make ourselves weak and vunerable and other countries that are in full steam ahead mode will run us over like a steamroller. What was one of the United States major strength through the World Wars? Machinery/Weapons, aka... STEEL, which comes from COAL. Hmmm..... anyone see a connection here?