our readers write

New England is about to be the green lobby’s demonstration of what their policies will mean for the whole country.

Environmentalists and politicians have encouraged the shutdown of traditional power plants, including nuclear, throughout the region. Then, in an effort to force the development of renewable energy, they are blocking new electric transmission from Canada and new gas pipelines from shale resources in Pennsylvania.

The grand strategy is not working. There are nowhere near enough renewable sources to replace the closures. If the winter weather is tough again, New England will face high-energy prices and possible physical shortages.

Utility regulators are constantly bailing out the power companies under their charge. Political connections count more than proficiency in running the utility. With their mistakes and misjudgments covered up by successful lobbying, the importance of innovation, skill and sound business judgment is lessened. Incompetence, corruption, laziness and reckless investment practices face little or no penalties.

Jim Clarkson