Being good environmental stewards today is defined as reducing the pollution we create, saving energy, reducing carbon footprints, etc. The point that is so frustrating to industry and consumers are the penalties we are forced to endure for being successful stewards.

For example, high gasoline prices caused us to reduce electricity and gasoline uses. People increased insulation values in their homes and changed to CFL lighting among many other changes. The congress forced through a mandatory reduction in mileage standards. As a result, the good environmental stewards have accomplished a reduction in energy usage.

Now, gasoline usage is resulting in lower revenue to the states in the form of lower tax collection. Therefore, states must raise gasoline taxes or add road usage fees to collect more money to maintain the roads. Utilities have to raise rates to offset the lost revenue from lower sales. Airlines are cutting flights. All of these companies and governments need to find new ways to make more money because they are losing money with reduced energy usage.

The hard part is not to get frustrated. Reducing pollution and energy usage is a good thing that will pay dividends eventually. There should be more congratulations tossed about over the fact that we are accomplishing such goals.

What do you think?