D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
April
2008
Declaration of (Energy) Independence
I enjoyed your article on Doug Fine and his determined experiment ("Green Acres," March). It reinforces my hope that our next home will incorporate some of his features. We have so much sun, and it has so much potential for reducing dependence on external forces. Yet we don't take advantage of it.
Although it currently takes a long time to recoup the expense of installing photovoltaic solar cells, the thought of at least near-independence from electric companies (except as a community battery/storage facility) is enough for me to take the plunge.
The spirit of independence, which should motivate us as a nation and as individuals, seems to be lacking when it comes to energy independence. Most people recognize — even if they don't want to admit it — that fossil fuels are, by nature, finite. Most also recognize that the world's energy needs are increasing. Most should also recognize that the assumption that we can solve our energy needs by "sticking more straws in the ground" (as Warren Buffet put it) is at best a stop-gap measure. And that doesn't touch on the consequences to the planet and our way of life of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. And yet we go on, and the prices go up, and people have to absorb the increases.
I am reminded of the story of the "Big Ditch" in Silver City. Tell me if I'm wrong about this, but my understanding is that the need for lumber to build Silver City led to nearby deforestation, which led to excessive run-off, which led to floods, which led to Silver City's original Main Street becoming the "Big Ditch." In that case the lack of "environmental awareness" had immediate and obvious consequences. Today the consequences aren't so immediately obvious (or people have a hard time connecting the dots), but the tunnel vision of today doesn't bode well for the future.
The United States has many challenges today, but one is certainly our ability to keep our economy strong without the "sucking sound" (to steal Ross Perot's phrase) of dependence on fossil fuels. One could argue our entanglements in the Middle East would be much less significant if energy weren't an issue. One could argue that the citizens of Las Cruces wouldn't have complained last summer about rising electric rates if solar-energized homes made those rates irrelevant.
There's a basic economic principle that if you subsidize something, you'll get more of it. Let's subsidize energy independence so that we get more of it.
That brings us full circle to Doug Fine's new life. He's not waiting for the subsidies — he wants more energy independence and less pollution now.
Michael Walsh
Las Cruces
Getting Lost
In regards to the article in February about Jo Remondini ("The Seeker"), I am familiar with the Carolyn Dorn incident from early December to its conclusion in January. I saw Remondini multiple times during the time period and appreciated her tenacity in continuing the search when the state-sponsored search and rescue (SAR) was unable to.
My issue with the Dorn search is very simple: An individual with a troubled history including "dropping off the grid" in New Mexico and several other states in the last 20 years (according to family members) purposely went into the Gila National Forest, leaving her vehicle (illegally), telling no one of her plans and/or whereabouts. Dorn placed not only herself but many others in danger by her selfish actions. Ultimately, the Dorn matter culminated in a very hazardous rescue by air, utilizing a New Mexico Air National Guard Apache helicopter with a brave crew who risked their lives to fly into the area during a snowstorm with very high winds and darkness. This escapade for which Dorn is solely responsible cost the taxpayers of New Mexico an estimated $35,000 to $40,000, not to mention the risk to many persons involved in all aspects of the search and eventual rescue. To date, I am aware of no consequences to which Dorn has been held responsible.
B. Murns
Silver City
Caught Outdoors
I appreciate Larry Lightner's column ("Ramblin' Outdoors") because he doesn't shy away from controversial issues. So I would like to see him write a column about trapping on public land. Like Larry, I love to wander and explore the backcountry. My best friend, Petie, a heeler/German shepherd mutt, is almost always with me on these outings. But along with the usual hazards (cactus thorns, rattlesnakes, wolves, mountain lions, vehicles, etc.), traps are another serious hazard.
My dog has been caught in a leghold trap once, and nearly stuck his nose in a box containing a potentially lethal conibear trap. Fortunately I saw it and called him away just in time. I have no problem with trapping on private land, but public land is for all of us to enjoy, not just trappers. Their enjoyment of public land places other people, their kids, and pets at risk. I say if you want to trap, contact some ranchers. Many of them would be glad to have you come on their land and trap coyotes and other varmints.
Jeff Ross
Tijeras, NM
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