Statement
Reflections on the Energy Crisis, April 2, 1981
Reflections on the Energy Crisis, A Statement by the USCCB Committee on Social Development and World Peace, April 2, 1981
The petroleum age is ending; oil and gas supplies will peak and decline. Nations must conserve and transition to alternative energy sources to avoid economic chaos. The U.S., as a major energy consumer, faces vulnerability to supply disruptions and bears global responsibility for energy security.
Moral Dimensions of Energy Policy
- Energy issues are moral as well as technical, impacting life, justice, and peace.
- Key Principles:
- Protect Human Life: Energy policies must minimize risks to life and health.
- Responsible Stewardship: Respect for creation; avoid environmental destruction.
- Acceptance of Limits: Embrace sacrifices for the common good.
- Justice & Equity: Ensure fair distribution of energy resources.
- Preferential Option for the Poor: Protect vulnerable groups from energy price shocks.
- Participation: Citizens should have a voice in energy decisions.
Transition to Alternative Energy
- Conservation: Essential first step; reduce waste and promote efficiency.
- Coal: Abundant but poses health, environmental, and social risks.
- Nuclear Fission: Provides power but raises safety, waste, and proliferation concerns.
- Synthetic Fuels: Possible solution for transportation but costly and environmentally challenging.
- Solar & Renewables: Offer hope for long-term sustainability; need incentives and research.
- Geothermal & Biomass: Limited but promising in certain contexts.
Energy Distribution & Control
- Access to energy is a matter of justice; poor must not be denied necessities.
- Debate between market allocation vs. government intervention.
- Risks of concentrated corporate power; need for regulation and decentralization.
- Solar technologies could enable local control and job creation.
The Catholic community should actively engage in energy debates through education, advocacy, and practical action. Energy transition is a historical moment with potential for promoting justice and solidarity. Decisions must be guided by love, justice, and stewardship to avoid harm and build a better world.