We continue to read about rising electricity rates that are exacerbating the inflation that is making our lives more expensive and difficult. While some states have been proactive in addressing the problem, a national solution is needed.
Our existing grid can be made more efficient, but in the end we will need to build new transmission lines and create stronger connections between each of the regional grids. A major problem is that it takes too long to build these lines due to outdated regulations.
The cost of solar and battery storage has decreased so dramatically that virtually all new generation capacity is clean. Unfortunately, the grid hasn’t been able to keep up and this new capacity often has to wait years to get plugged in.
Federal legislation is already being considered in D.C. to help ease these bottlenecks while still encouraging public input. Ask your member of Congress to join you in support of comprehensive clean energy permitting reform so we can build our way out of these high electricity rates.
Jon Berman
Elmhurst, Ill.
Republicans draw criticism
In response to Mr. Longoria’s letter of July 16, he applauds life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness but fails to recognize that since November 2024 they are available only to rich Republicans.
Jake, the privilege and entitlement you mention are now available to only to multimillionaires like Elon Musk, Timothy Mellon, Donald Trump, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zukerberg, etc. The majority of us worry about rising food, housing and fuel costs brought on by Republicans such as those you praise and emulate.
Harassment of charitable organizations and real Americans like Sister Norma Pimentel have become the norm.
Your accusation of subversion and aggression by Democrats is laughable. Who started the war in Iran without congressional approval? Who Invaded Venezuela? Who attacked shipping on the high sea? Whose version of ICE invades American cities injuring and killing citizens as they go?
I do agree with that that our founding fathers would not approve of what we are today, for under Republican governance we have become what they left England to escape.
Ned Sheats
Mission
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