Last year, we put out a column listing the many different uses of fossil fuels, beyond just for driving a vehicle. The hope was to convince that those calling for the end to fossil fuels that they may need to rethink the issue. Or, we at least hope they might realize that the industry is not as simple as they originally thought.

As you can probably guess, many people still haven’t been convinced. And we’re still left wondering about how so many people apparently don’t understand how critical the industry is to so much that takes place on a day-to-day basis.

There are more than 6,000 items on the list of items made possible through fossil fuels, and that isn’t counting fuel itself. Of course, fossil fuels are also used to produce heat in large power stations and are used to produce electricity and to power engines. Windmill blades are made from carbon-reinforced resins, which is made from petro chemicals. Inside wind turbines are all sorts of moving parts that require lubrication, which also comes from fossil fuels. Another “green” energy source, solar panels, use plastic polymers in their coatings.

Fossil fuels are also important for lifesaving medical devices, such as MRI machines and pacemakers. They add asphalt for our roads. The manufacturing of boats, bikes, scooters, skateboards and even electric cars require oil & natural gas products and components. We also can’t forget about diapers, pacifiers and toys.

Here are a few more items, just to round out the list: Velcro, cleansers, tools, plastics, sports equipment, medicines, safety gears, electronics, toiletries, construction materials, home furnishings, plastic pipes, bandages, linoleum, caulking, aspirin, cortisone, antihistamines, lipstick, perfume, dentures, nail polish, brush and comb, hair color, contact lenses, shampoo, hearing aids, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, vitamin capsules, moisturizer, lip balm, and rain jackets.

All of these items of are so often taken for granted but they are a part of our everyday daily life. 

Many Carlsbad residents are looking at the upcoming legislative session with a great deal of apprehension. We know that there will be a new wave of proposals aiming to “punish” the oil and gas industry, because that’s apparently what you do to an industry responsible for a huge chunk of the state’s budget and thousands of well-paying jobs.

We believe in advocating for the energy industry, not just for fossil fuels, but supporting an “all of the above” approach that includes wind, solar, hydrogen, thermal and, of course, nuclear.

With the future projected worldwide population growth, it will take all sources of energy to continue moving forward. Energy is the key to progress.

In the committee hearings that will be taking place over the next few weeks, we hope the state’s legislators will not forget the fact that the fossil fuel industry is essential to our way of life in every way imaginable.

Mayor Dale Janway is a Carlsbad, New Mexico native. He has been Mayor of Carlsbad for 11 years.