Letter: The costly problem with cheap oil

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 16, 2026

Fossil fuel use is causing wars, damaging our economy and heating up the planet, causing extreme weather. None of this is necessary. The technology exists to economically switch to renewables. China is way ahead of America in this regard. It costs less to develop renewable sources now than to mine fossil fuels or build gas plants. The major problem is that the American fossil fuel industry is so invested in its infrastructure and makes billions from selling fossil fuels. Consequently these companies do not care if burning fossil fuel causes wars and damages America and the atmosphere. Despite this, 32% of the world’s energy now comes from renewable sources and this percentage is growing. ~ Nancy Hasenfus, Brunswick