Nature-lovers object to that. And there's little evidence wildlife would be harmed. On the other hand, America is desperate for energy. Without sufficient supplies, people will suffer. As California's shown, blackouts pose real health and safety risks.
Grownups know that assuring adequate supplies is the higher priority.
Yes, conservation can be important. Which is why it made good sense for Bush to move Thursday to curb the government's energy use. In California alone, the Pentagon will free up some 200 megawatts of juice by next summer. But Bush also echoed Cheney's reality check about demand-side elixirs. Nor can we conserve our way to having enough energy available.