BP'S horrendous Gulf oil nightmare - and to a small extent, the Massey coal mine tragedy in Raleigh County - indirectly spur a growing U.S. attitude change. They remind America that fossil fuels are a costly remnant of the fading "smokestack era," but future success will favor nations that master renewable, alternative energy.
Although coal and oil currently are indispensable, both are doomed to eventual depletion. As reserves slowly disappear, scarcity will drive prices upward. Then, superpower status will belong to countries that develop the largest energy output from wind, solar, biomass, tidal, geothermal and other "clean" sources.
The BP Gulf calamity can spur America to reduce dependence on foreign oil, and focus more on free power from nature.
"If the time to cure our oil addiction isn't now - when millions of gallons of crude are polluting a vast coastal community, killing off wildlife and destroying hundreds of thousands of people's livelihoods - when will it be the right time?" the Miami Herald asked.
The Pew Environmental Group warns that China, Germany, Spain and other places are leaping ahead in clean power development.
"For the first time ever, the United States fell behind China in overall clean energy finance and investment in 2009 - with a total U.S. clean energy investment of just under $17 billion, compared to $30.8 billion in China," a Pew report said. "China is projected to spend $46.8 billion - two-thirds of it by the end of 2011 - on energy efficiency, clean vehicles, grid infrastructure and other clean energy technology."
The Pew Group pointed out that "an array of Washington special interests are working to keep Congress from considering legislation that would lessen our dependency on fossil fuels and combat global warming. Indeed, while congressional leaders dither, we risk missing a key window to create badly needed new jobs and support emerging U.S. industries in the rapidly growing global market for clean energy."
Further, a new study released last week contends that the coal industry costs West Virginia taxpayers more in state expenses than it provides in state revenue.
A green boom is coming. Multitudes of green jobs will be created. Will America ride the wave? The Miami Herald warned:
"Europe and China are far ahead of us in developing new energy technologies. If we don't speed up our own research, we'll end up exporting as many dollars on new energy sources in the future as we send overseas now for oil."
Last week, President Obama urged Americans to unite in a "national mission" for energy reform. The future is clear. America should embrace it.