March 3, 2008
In this often caustic and thought-provoking book, Bryce (Pipe Dreams, Cronies), a self-described "charter member of the Disgusted Party ...a raging moderate who leans toward the libertarian," attempts to debunk the pervasive call for U.S. energy independence, arguing that despite continuous rhetoric from all sides to the contrary, energy independence is neither "doable nor desirable." The book gives a short history of oil, delineating the gradual shift of power from Texas to OPEC to foreign markets and the escalating U.S. militarization of the Persian Gulf to try to maintain energy security. Bryce contends that "energy demand will almost surely continue rising" and the proposed alternatives-biofuels, wind and solar energy-are chimeras, preventing Americans from confronting the reality that we "will be relying on fossil fuels for years to come." The book argues that, rather than try to militarily control oil-rich nations to secure our energy needs, the US should accept that energy trading is global and pursue diplomatic routes to assure open, healthy and efficient markets. Despite the wisdom and lucidity of his analysis, Bryce's arguments are undermined by his curmudgeonly attacks on environmental activists on the left and right, and his stance as apparently one of the last remaining global warming skeptics somewhat cripples his credibility.
March 1, 2008
With oil nearly $100 a barrel, everyone is clamoring for "energy independence" and a reduction in our reliance on foreign oil. Bryce ("Pipe Dreams: Greed, Ego, and the Death of Enron") debunks this notion, asserting that none of the alterative or renewable energy sources currently hypedcorn ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, wind and solar power, and coal-to-liquidswill free America from imported fuels. He blasts Republicans, Democrats, the presidential candidates, Al Gore, Robert Redford, environmentalists, and energy analysts for misleading the public about our energy needs. Providing compelling examples, Bryce identifies numerous reasons why the United States cannot wean itself off foreign energy. He posits that we must accept the reality of an increasingly interdependent global energy market and shift our thinking from energy independence to interdependence. Meticulously researched with copious factsnearly all footnotedthis illuminating and sometimes witty work offers another view of the current state of energy. Recommended for all libraries.Eva Lautemann, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Clarkston
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