Clean Energy Nation: Freeing America from the Tyranny of Fossil Fuels [Hardcover]

Congressman Jerry McNerney Ph.D. (Author), Martin Cheek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2011

Dangerous CO2 emissions, massive oil spills, dwindling supplies the problems with fossil fuels are driving a longoverdue reassessment of our nation's energy policies. U.S. Congressman Jerry McNerney, a renewable energy engineer and the first representative with expertise in energy independence, leads the way to change. In "Clean Energy Nation", he and journalist Martin Cheek make an impassioned argument for drastically reducing dependency on fossil fuels and developing sustainable, readily available energy sources solar, wind, biofuel, geothermal, and hydrogen-based power. Bringing together a rare combination of scientific knowledge, political savvy, and insightful journalism, the authors reveal the pros and cons of alternative energy sources and examine how our nation became addicted to fossil fuels in the first place. The book reads like the dramatic story it is, complete with dire projections about peak oil and grim scenarios of rising oceans! keen insights into policies and players that have stalled progress on climate change and favored big oil!and astute recommendations for building a clean energy economy and a prosperous, stable future.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

What one change could preserve democracy, increase national security, reduce health care costs, increase business output, and improve public health? U.S. Congressman and renewable energy engineer McNerney (of Pleasanton, Calif.), with tech journalist Cheek, cover the history and future with fossil fuels, illustrating the enormous potential of renewable energy-including solar, wind, biomass, nuclear, geothermal, water, and hydrogen-to head off a grim fate for Western civilization, from diminishing food supplies to setbacks in education. With milestones including 75 percent energy independence from OPEC by 2020, the authors compare their goal to the American Revolution in importance and scope, but never grow sanctimonious. In measured language, this volume reviews current, past and future U.S. policy, as well as renewable energy projects and goals around the world, concluding with concrete suggestions for implementing clean energy (including education, international partnerships and financing). Addressing skeptics, the authors question whether "our nation's free market system truly benefits by providing petroleum companies with substantial financial subsidies," and make a convincing case for other arrangements.
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From Booklist

Not surprising for a member of Congress whose credentials include a career in renewable energy engineering, McNerney, with veteran journalist Cheek, frames his arguments regarding our current energy crisis in historical terms. Not since the American Revolution has this country faced such an overwhelming challenge to break the bonds of dependency. Only this time, our reliance is on foreign oil, and our failure to achieve energy independence could have consequences as dire as anything the emerging nation faced in 1776. Reviewing the sequence of events that have contributed to the present situation, the authors explore options for replacing fossil fuels, and examine how the responsibility for sustainability falls to diverse areas both in the government and private sectors. Frequently spinning scenarios that illustrate an Armageddon that could befall the nation should it fail to reverse current trends, the authors nevertheless ultimately paint a hopeful picture for the future based on contemporary successes, outlining steps necessary for progress, including the development of funding resources and structured timetables. --Carol Haggas

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM (August 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814413722
• ISBN-13: 978-0814413722
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.1 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,365,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Muat Read August 3, 2011

By Jim Estill

Format:Hardcover

I tend to avoid controversy so I do not do politics. So hoping this review is not too political.

The author is a Congressman so politics are a part of the book.

Environment should not be a political issue. It just seems obvious. We should not destroy the planet. It should be the common goal that unites.

I smiled at the bumper sticker - "Earth First - We can destroy the other planets later". Of course it was on an SUV.

The book covers the history and stats of climate change. McNerney is a politician so he delves into the politics(which are appalling). He has a good chapter on Hubbard's peak( the time when we hit peak oil production).

There is a great chapter on energy and national security.

I also liked the chapter on public health. Over 50% of US electricity is produced by coal.

What I have learned is people are primarily economic driven - not "feel good" or "social good". This means for true change to happen, there needs to be the right policy. Tax energy use - do not subsidize it. I am discouraged by US politics and worry that no politician will be brave enough to do the right thing for the environment.

His prognosis is scary if we do not fix policy and the environment.

It is a worthwhile book. Read it.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent discussion of the problem and options for correction August 8, 2011

By Ken Mort

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Clean Energy Naton", (purchased from Amazon), carefully describes the importance of reducing the Country's dependence on fossil fuels. Admittedly fossil fuels are a cheap source of energy, but the supply of cheap fuels is limited, and their use creates problems such as global warming, pollution, and security issues. It is important to start now to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. If we start now it can be more systematic and well designed rather than if we wait until it becomes a series of reactions to emergencies. The book describes paths to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

The book points out the importance of improving education in math and science. Global warming has become somewhat of a political football which couldn't have happened if the electorate (and politicians) were more knowledgable about math and science. This problem should never have become politicized. Global warming has already started to have a serious impact, and it will become much worse if something isn't done to reduce greenhouse gasses.

Included in the book is a list of suggested reading which is very helpful.

I enthusiastically recommend that everyone read this book, and it's especially important that all members of The Congress read this book.

2.0 out of 5 stars Clean Energy Nation March 3, 2013

By Jimmy Pappas

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

At no place in advertizing does it say the congressman author is a liberal democrat. However as a PhD and to his credit his arguments are factual. While I agree we need to ween ourselves of fossel fuels, his path needs to include a gradual phased approach of getting the most of what we have already invested in for over 100 years, rather than the total green approach. He missed a chance to address where we are with fossel fuels and how to ween ourselves including R&D technology for clean Coal and liquified coal for automotive use al well greater use of natural gas as a transition to all the green stuff. A a total plan of the use of all our assets including the good and bad of each would have been more palatable.