Energy for the Future

It is frightening to see the lengths to which the Bush administration will go in order to satisfy the demands of oil companies (“Bush Oil, Gas Bid Skirts Key Issues,” Aug. 12). Opening up our last unspoiled wilderness areas for drilling is far from a long-term, sustainable solution to our current energy needs.

Conservation programs, as well as incorporation of clean and renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind power, must be taken seriously by President Bush. Rather than hand out $2 billion in subsidies to the coal industry, as he proposes, those funds should be directed toward broadening our use of sustainable energy that has already proven to be effective. It is only by conserving and utilizing renewable energy sources that we will create a sustainable future.

Maria Surma

Los Angeles