Environment & Energy
In reply to the discussion: PLANET OF THE HUMANS' STREAMING: HOW TO WATCH THE MICHAEL MOORE-PRODUCED DOCUMENTARY ONLINE FOR FREE [View all]hunter
(38,301 posts)... in a way that nuclear power or serious lifestyle changes do not.
The problem with hybrid wind/natural gas power systems is that by today's accounting they work.
What's not accounted for is the environmental damage caused by gas extraction, methane leaks, and carbon dioxide emissions.
In California, where I live, home electricity rates are tiered. The more you use, the more it costs. Many Californians also live in places where air conditioning is unnecessary. Over 90% of the homes in my community don't have air conditioning. There are only a few days a year where we wish we did.
In California's Central Valley the climate is more like Texas. But high housing costs and tiered electric rates make people intensely aware of air conditioning efficiencies. Super insulated homes and smaller super-efficient air conditioners that automatically shut down when electricity demand exceeds certain limits will rapidly "pay for themselves."
California has plenty of oil refineries producing California blend fuels formulated to reduce air and water pollution. That's one reason our gasoline and diesel prices are somewhat independent of national prices. Gasoline that might be legal to sell in Texas probably isn't legal in California.