Green Initiatives

Donald Boudreaux writes a good column for the Pittsburgh paper today. I tend to agree with him on his two main points. The one that I particularly like though is the idea that people adopt "green" initiatives then these ideas turn into some sort of religion based on no facts.

I think all people should conserve and use fewer resources. If nothing more, it leaves more for our children to use later. However, I also like to save money. So buying a car that uses less fuel is not only green, but also economical. Furthermore, I like paying a smaller electric bill, so we put the thermostat on 78, not 72, or simply leave the windows open when it is nice outside.

Having the government force green initiatives on use is just abuse of power. If people want to reduce their carbon footprint then they should be allowed to make that choice. Maybe products should carbon labels on them so people can make choices just like they do with fat content or calories. If you want a low carbon lifestyle, then you buy those products with low carbon numbers. You might pay MORE for those choices, but they are your choices. I see this working with power. You can choose the high carbon power of coal at low cost, or you can choose the low carbon wind or solar option at high cost.

One thing I know for sure is the government will not make the best choice for all of us. It is simply impossible to do so. So let the market decide. If people on the coasts are worried about rising sea levels, then pay us Kansans to live a "greener" lifestyle so your million dollar homes and beach front condos do not become salt water aquariums. Or may you could move to higher ground both physically and ideologically.