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America’s Power Grid: A Symbol of Neglect and the Cost of Fossil Fuel Dependency
The American power grid—a sprawling, aging system that powers the world’s largest economy—is in dire need of an overhaul. In recent years, its failures have become a glaring symbol of neglect. The 2021 Texas freeze left millions without power, causing catastrophic losses and hundreds of deaths. California’s rolling blackouts are another grim reminder of how unprepared our grid is to handle climate-induced stresses and the demands of a modern, electrified economy. What we need is a resilient, decentralized grid powered by clean energy sources that can adapt to the 21st century. What we have is a patchwork system dependent on outdated fossil fuel plants that exacerbate the very climate crises they are ill-equipped to endure.
A detailed exploration of these challenges is outlined in Gretchen Bakke’s book The Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future, which highlights the vulnerabilities of the U.S. electrical grid and the urgent need for modernization. Bakke explains how our aging infrastructure is not only inefficient but also incapable of supporting a transition to renewable energy without significant updates.
The True Cost of Fossil Fuels
The fossil fuel industry is often framed as the backbone of America’s economy, but this narrative ignores the hidden costs. Fossil fuels’ impact on public health is staggering. Communities near refineries and power plants—often low-income and predominantly minority neighborhoods—suffer from higher rates of asthma, heart disease, and premature death. These communities are left choking on the pollution that powers America’s unsustainable energy system.
Donald Trump’s repeated dismissal of climate science has only compounded these issues. By pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement and promoting fossil fuel production, Trump has aligned himself with climate denial—a stance that ignores overwhelming scientific consensus. While climate science can be complex, it doesn’t take an expert to understand that fossil fuels are a dirty industry with serious health and environmental consequences. A 2021 study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health revealed that air pollution from fossil fuels is responsible for approximately 350,000 premature deaths annually in the United States. States with the highest per capita death rates include Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Illinois, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. These staggering statistics highlight the devastating human cost of continuing to rely on fossil fuels.
Economically, fossil fuels are becoming a liability. Extraction and combustion are resource-intensive and increasingly expensive. On the other hand, renewable energy offers the promise of cleaner air, lower energy costs, and millions of stable jobs. Solar and wind energy are now cheaper than coal in most parts of the world, and the clean energy sector continues to grow rapidly. Why, then, is America clinging to a dying industry?
Renewables vs. Non-Renewables: A Clear Choice for the Future
The distinction between renewable and non-renewable energy is as simple as their names suggest. Non-renewable energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas will eventually run out. They are finite resources that, once depleted, are gone forever. In contrast, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower harness natural processes that are virtually limitless. Investing in renewables means choosing a sustainable path forward, ensuring that future generations are not left grappling with the consequences of our short-sighted energy policies.
Donald Trump’s decision to double down on non-renewable energy is not just a rejection of progress—it’s a decision to pull America backward. This is the antithesis of sustainability, which is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. True sustainability means building systems that last, creating opportunities, and protecting resources for the long term. Trump’s approach prioritizes quick economic gains at the expense of the American people and the planet.
Clean Energy: A Path to Prosperity and Safety
Investing in clean energy isn’t just an environmental imperative—it’s an economic opportunity. Transitioning to renewables could create millions of high-paying jobs, from manufacturing solar panels to maintaining wind farms. A decentralized energy system built on renewables is also safer. Unlike centralized fossil fuel plants, which are vulnerable to natural disasters and cyberattacks, distributed renewable energy sources are more resilient and adaptable.
A modern grid powered by clean energy would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving lives. It would also ensure that low-income communities, which have historically been marginalized in energy decisions, are included in the transition. Clean energy can bring equity to a system that has long perpetuated environmental racism.
America’s Global Standing: An Embarrassing Retreat
When Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Agreement in 2025, it was not only a setback for global climate action but also a reflection of his disregard for the long-term well-being of the American people. The U.S. joined a small group of countries not participating in the accord, including Iran, Libya, and Yemen. These nations are either grappling with significant internal conflict or have limited capacity to contribute meaningfully to global climate initiatives.
While the U.S. retreats, China remains firmly committed to the Paris Agreement and is heavily investing in clean energy technologies. As the world’s largest producer of solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, China is positioning itself as the global leader in the clean energy sector. This aggressive push not only helps China reduce its own emissions but also ensures it dominates the lucrative renewable energy market. By doing so, China is building influence, strengthening its economy, and securing its energy independence.
For the United States, falling behind in the clean energy race has dire consequences. By clinging to fossil fuels, the U.S. risks becoming dependent on foreign innovations and losing its competitive edge. If China continues to lead the charge, it will set the global standards for clean energy technologies and trade, leaving the U.S. to play catch-up. This lack of foresight not only weakens America’s economy but also undermines its position as a global superpower. A retreat from the Paris Agreement signals not just environmental irresponsibility but also a failure to prioritize America’s long-term interests and competitiveness on the world stage.
What Leadership Really Means
True leadership looks to the future. It prioritizes the well-being of people over the profits of a few. It recognizes that growth is meaningless if it comes at the expense of health, safety, and long-term prosperity. Donald Trump’s policies are the antithesis of this vision. They reflect a willingness to sacrifice America’s future for the sake of preserving industries that are already on life support.
As Gretchen Bakke writes in The Grid, “The grid is the cornerstone of our way of life, but it’s also a silent witness to our failure to imagine a better future.” America deserves better. We need leaders who will fight for clean air and water, who will invest in renewable energy, and who will ensure that our power grid is not only reliable but also sustainable. Clinging to fossil fuels isn’t just bad policy—it’s a failure to care for the American people. It’s time to demand better for ourselves and for future generations.
The Silver Lining / Acknowledging the Progress that has Already Been Made
The progress made in clean energy and sustainability over the past several years is a testament to the dedication and resilience of countless individuals, organizations, and communities across the United States. This work will not be rolled back; instead, it serves as the foundation for continued growth and expansion. The clean energy revolution is well underway, and the efforts of advocates, policymakers, and businesses have created momentum that cannot be stopped.
Growth in Renewable Energy Production:
State-Level Leadership:
Texas leads in renewable energy production, contributing over 14% to the national total, primarily through wind power (EIA).
Washington generates over 10% of the nation’s hydroelectric power, leading the way in sustainable water energy (EIA).
California dominates in utility-scale solar and geothermal energy production, setting a standard for clean energy deployment (California Energy Commission).
Oklahoma increased its clean electricity generation by 35% between 2018 and 2023, with wind power’s share rising from 32% to 42% (Reuters).
Economic Investments and Job Creation:
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 allocated $369 billion for clean energy initiatives, catalyzing over $224 billion in investments and creating over 100,000 new jobs by 2024 (Energy Innovation).
Federal support has driven the construction of over 100 new clean energy manufacturing facilities, including factories for solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles (DOE).
Land and Ecosystem Protection:
The Biden administration has protected millions of acres of public land from drilling and mining, safeguarding critical ecosystems and resources for future generations (DOI).
These achievements demonstrate that sustainability and clean energy are not just possibilities but realities shaping America’s future. The collaboration between federal initiatives, state leadership, private investments, and grassroots advocacy has created a powerful force for progress that will continue to expand. Every solar panel installed, every wind turbine constructed, and every electric vehicle sold represents a step toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Learn More / Sources
Find Gretchen Bakke’s book The Grid at your local library or through the Libby app (for free!!)
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