Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine serves as one more reminder that America’s energy independence is more than just smart economic policy. It is important for our survival.

Here in New Hampshire, it serves to underscore our need for reliable sources of energy at affordable costs. (Thank you, Meldrim Thomson, for the Seabrook nuclear plant.)

Nuclear power is both reliable and non-polluting. So is hydro power, which consumers in our state and region could have in abundance, were it not for various and sundry foes of Quebec Hydro.

Of fossil fuels, natural gas is the least polluting; but efforts to expand pipelines to New England face much opposition.

Wind and solar energy have roles to play as well but they are at the mercy of the weather. In no case should we be at the mercy of foreign thugs.