S. David Freeman finds himself in the curious role of being a lifelong energy insider who now says we have to move away from energy business as usual and we have to do it now. What’s more, the former head of such energy monoliths as the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, the New York Power Authority, and Los Angeles Water and Power believes we can do it in 30 years or less.
Based on his experience with coal, nuclear power, and oil, Freeman argues that retaining those sources as the heart of our energy policy offers only a road to national ruin. He grounds his argument on a variety of bases including national security, environmental health, and economic vitality.
Freeman says we can be oil-, coal-, and nuclear-free in 30 years. How? Conservation and renewables – using energy more efficiently and from different sources. In his current book, Winning Our Energy Independence (An Energy Insider Shows How), he emphasizes that we already have in place much of the technology to start now.
When comes to making his point, Mr. Freeman is no shrinking violet. His books and interviews are energetic, spirited, and engaging. Whether you agree or disagree with him, he will get your attention. As he says, “I attract a lot of following. . . either strongly positive or strongly negative. There have been very few people that have been neutral about me in my life.”
Mr. Freeman comes to Montana as a project of The Policy Institute and the Sierra Club of Montana.
Monday, May 12, 7:00 p.m., Helena Civic Center
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