While energy independence and national security are frequently held up to the American public as the goals of our energy production, keep your eye on the ball.

When it comes to fossil fuels, there are two other driving factors. One, recently promoted in a report by NERA, is the increase in export revenues from selling natural gas abroad. The other, so obvious, is higher profits to corporations from selling in countries where prices are higher.

Before the Energy Department throws its support behind increased exports, we all need to be fully informed on the long-term environmental costs. Do we want to endanger our environment by supporting fracking for natural gas and mountain top removal for coal — both done to increase exports and profits, not national security and energy independence? What price do you put on clean water and clean air?