The last thing we need is an energy policy that accelerates the growth of intermittent power without reshaping markets to ensure reliability. Yet, that is what we have, not because it’s good for the country but because of an obsessive focus on domestic emissions-reduction targets.

Although the notion of a renewable energy future has obvious appeal, the challenges of integrating more wind and solar power are becoming glaringly obvious. Recent events show how serious the situation is. Consider California’s rolling blackouts last summer and the grid failures in Texas in February. Despite all of the excuse-making of renewable energy advocates, these crises, when renewable capacity was unable to contribute when it was needed most, were in large part the consequence of “green outs.”