I vividly remember the Arab Oil Embargo from the early ’70s. Those of my generation, before and after me, have lost patience with waiting now for nearly 40 years for sane, rational legislation that ensures that our environment is safe, clean and for affordable energy that is also safe and clean, for the future security of our nation and spaceship Earth. These are issues that are nonpartisan. We are all at risk, especially the young folks hoping to perhaps at least come near witnessing the next century.   

I urge our legislators to do as Sam Rayburn had said many years ago, that there comes a time that folks must vote on behalf of certain measures, not because it is easy, but because it is right.  I am beginning a list of legislators called “CREEPS” (Chronic Repression of Environmental and Energy Policy Systems). Many of us hope that prospective “public servants” if they should find their names on that list, will view running for office as a fantasy they should put aside. As an environmentalist, I also endorse “fast neutron” nuclear reactors to power electric vehicles and to heat and cool businesses and homes. It is our safest technology from every perspective and very doable. I encourage folks to read a wonderful book authored by fellow Minnesotan Joseph M. Shuster, titled “Beyond Fossil Fools: the Roadmap To Energy Independence By 2040.” Our state, indeed our nation and the planet, is in a crisis situation.

Rick Mammel

Albert Lea